MINNEAPOLIS — As the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to change color, a new season begins: cold and flu season.
Just like the seasons, COVID also changes.
“People are still getting sick from it and some are dying,” said Dr. David Hilden of Hennepin Healthcare. “But it’s true that it’s a very different disease than what we were used to three to four years ago.”
A new vaccine comes out just in time for fall and offers protection against the last variantAnyone aged 6 months and older can get the shot.
“Usually when I get my flu shot, I get the vaccine,” said Ryan Eatchen of St. Paul.
If you have recently had COVID-19, the CDC recommends waiting three months before getting vaccinated.
According to Hilden, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, people over 65 and people with certain health conditions should get vaccinated now.
“Everyone else, it’s not an emergency. You don’t have to line up right away to get the thing, but you should get it in the next couple of months if you can,” Hilden said.
For the first time, the vaccine is no longer free for people without insurance. However, there are often free vaccination clinics where people can get a dose.
“It’s unfortunate that we’re putting such a small barrier on people, but the vast majority of people shouldn’t have to pay anything for the vaccine at all,” Hilden said.
The vaccines do not provide protection against long COVIDwhich remains a concern. If you do contract the virus, the CDC recommends staying home until your fever has gone away for 24 hours, wearing a mask for five days, practicing social distancing, and improving ventilation.
“If your test is still positive, you’re probably not at that high of a risk,” Hilden said. “If you’re feeling better and it’s been a lot of days, I would encourage you to go ahead.”
Some have had trouble getting a vaccination appointment at local pharmacies, likely due to staffing issues.
