Summary
The article highlights the importance of getting vaccinated during the holiday season to protect against illnesses like flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Declining vaccination rates in the U.S. increase the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. The former U.S. Surgeon General urges Americans to make informed health choices for themselves and their families this winter.
Key Facts
- The U.S. is experiencing declining vaccination rates, increasing the risk of flu, RSV, and COVID-19 during the holiday season.
- Cold weather helps these viruses spread more easily, and they mutate to evade existing immunity.
- Vaccines have historically been effective, preventing millions of illnesses and medical visits.
- Last flu season saw severe cases, with fewer than half of children and 47% of adults vaccinated.
- Two-thirds of flu-related hospitalizations involved unvaccinated individuals.
- Public trust in health guidance decreased due to shifting recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- There is a call for Americans to trust reliable sources for vaccine information and to prioritize vaccinations.
