New Mexico health officials urge getting vaccinations for flu, COVID, and RSV

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — When it comes to COVID-19, New Mexico is like many other states right now.

“We have had an uptick in hospitalizations due to COVID in New Mexico, overall our hospitalizations remain very low,” said Dr. Miranda Durham with the state’s Department of Health.

Durham says it’s important for people six months and older to get vaccinated soon, to keep those numbers low.

“The new vaccine is expected, actually, studies have shown that the new vaccine will be effective for current circulating viruses,” Durham said.

The CDC just cleared the new COVID-19 vaccine and new RSV vaccines for adults 60 and over and healthy children.

“The clinical trials have been very encouraging, they show a decrease in medical visits, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits by almost 75%,” said Dr. Anna Duran with UNM Health Sciences Center.

RSV season starts in the fall. Symptoms include fever, cough, congestion, and sometimes difficulty breathing and dehydration. Flu season is hitting at the same time, too.

Flu vaccines are recommended for anyone six months or older – this month or next month.

“It’s also OK to administer the flu vaccine with most other vaccines that are available,” said Dr. Meghan Brett with the UNM Health Sciences Center. “So that would be, for example, the COVID vaccines, the new RSV vaccine for older adults, and even things like pneumococcal vaccines as well.”