Respiratory disease season underway in New Mexico - Vaccinations available for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV
SANTA FE – The respiratory disease season has begun.
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is seeing increasing rates of respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, influenza (flu), and RSV across the state.
“Last season, three children and over 80 adults died in New Mexico due to COVID-19, flu, and RSV, and many more were hospitalized,” said NMDOH Secretary Gina DeBlassie. “Getting you and your family vaccinated every year helps reduce the chances of getting sick, missing work or school, or developing serious illness.”
Flu vaccines are updated yearly to offer the best protection against the virus. NMDOH recommends flu vaccinations for everyone six months of age and older each year, with vaccinations available now through May.
They are particularly important for people in the following high-risk groups:
- Children younger than five years old, especially children younger than two.
- Pregnant individuals up to two weeks post-partum.
- People aged 50 and older.
- People of any age with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, lung or heart disease.
- People who are immunocompromised.
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- People who live with or care for anyone at high risk for complications from flu, including healthcare personnel and caregivers of babies under six months.
Flu vaccines are not the only vaccines updated annually – COVID-19 vaccines are too. Routine vaccinations improve chances of staying healthy and reduce the risk of severe outcomes if people get influenza or COVID-19 even after being vaccinated.
RSV vaccines are also available, though primarily directed towards people over the age of 75 years old, pregnant people, and infants. Some higher-risk adults may also benefit from RSV vaccination. Talk with your provider to see if you are eligible.
For more information about where to go for vaccinations statewide, call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) or text 66364 (NMDOH). Helpline hours are Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (including holidays). The Helpline is staffed by nurses for health questions, health care connections and provider support.
Additionally, patients can find a location with available influenza vaccine at:
Medical providers and residents can stay informed on respiratory virus activity in New Mexico, particularly when, where and how many cases are found statewide using NMDOH’s viral respiratory infection dashboard, which is updated weekly.
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