Press Release  Massachusetts public health officials urge residents to get vaccinated before peak respiratory virus season

Boston — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has launched the Immunizations for Respiratory Diseases Dashboard for the 2024-2025 season, one in a series of dashboards used to visualize trends in COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease activity and vaccination in Massachusetts.

The dashboard shows data on vaccines administered by health care providers. Seasonal COVID-19 and flu vaccines have only been available for the past two months and data released late yesterday on these vaccines primarily includes doses given since September 1, 2024. In addition to reported immunizations, the dashboards use data from a variety of sources – including emergency departments, reported cases of infectious disease, laboratory tests, and wastewater – to keep people informed about COVID-19, flu, and RSV disease levels in their communities. All dashboards are updated weekly at the end of the day every Thursday through the end of the 2024-2025 season in the summer of 2025.

“This is a reminder to schedule your seasonal COVID-19 and flu vaccines. These vaccines are updated annually to match the currently circulating strains, so people should get vaccinated regardless of their prior vaccines,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Although we know that vaccination does not prevent all infections, getting your updated vaccines this season will help keep you out of the hospital and limit the impact of any COVID-19 or flu illness.”

COVID-19, flu, and RSV are respiratory viruses that can cause severe disease resulting in hospitalization and sometimes death. Everyone 6 months and older should get a seasonal flu vaccine and an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against infection, serious illness, and hospitalization. COVID-19 vaccination can also reduce the risk of Long COVID. The COVID-19 and flu vaccines have been updated for the 2024-25 season and are effective against currently circulating viruses. All routine vaccines are covered by insurance and are widely available at no or low cost to Massachusetts residents.

Information about COVID-19 and flu vaccines and resources to find vaccination locations are available at mass.gov/SeasonalVaccines. These vaccines are widely available at most pharmacies and many primary care provider offices. In addition, through partnerships with community organizations, DPH will hold COVID-19 and flu clinics in many community locations and at upcoming cultural events. A listing of community clinics accepting appointments and, in some locations walk-ins, is updated weekly and can be found at COVID-19/Influenza Mobile Vaccination Program. Residents who cannot get to a vaccination location can schedule an appointment for in-home COVID-19 and flu vaccination by visiting the In-Home Vaccination Program website or calling 833-983-0485.

Many people, including pregnant people and older adults, are also encouraged to get the RSV vaccination. An RSV antibody immunization is also available and can be given to newborns and infants born to people who were not vaccinated during pregnancy. Individuals recommended for an RSV immunization should talk to their health care provider about receiving it.

DPH is working closely with communities of color and other populations and communities hardest hit by COVID-19 to improve access to vaccination. DPH is also working with hospitals and providers to encourage vaccination of staff and patients.

Earlier this month DPH launched a statewide public information campaign to promote vaccine confidence in COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. The campaign is running in seven languages and appearing on social media and online ads, billboards, posters, and transit ads through March 2025.

Visit the campaign’s YouTube playlist to view shareable videos.

“After you get vaccinated, it can take a few weeks to reach maximum protection, so it is important to get vaccinated before respiratory illnesses start to increase,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown. “The current data indicate that COVID-19, flu, and RSV are not significantly increased at this time. This is the perfect time to get vaccinated in order to be prepared for the viral respiratory illness season.”

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