Dallas – In light of the rising COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, health experts are strongly advocating for the public to receive updated COVID booster shots along with flu vaccinations. This appeal is especially emphasized as the nation continues to navigate through the complexities of the pandemic.
Dallas County Health Director Phil Huang has stressed the importance of receiving both COVID and flu vaccines this season. He asserts, “We strongly encourage the public to get both this season.” This recommendation aligns with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which also urges specific demographics, including children under two years old, adults over 60, and pregnant women, to get the RSV vaccine.
While COVID cases and hospitalizations have seen an increase, they are significantly lower than the peak in January 2021, which witnessed more than 14,000 hospitalizations across Texas. Reflecting on the current situation, Huang remarks, “We’re in a very different place than we were then, fortunately.” He notes that this change is the reason behind the evolving recommendations.
The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported 7,800 cases of COVID-19 the week before Christmas, an increase from the previous week. Although there was a slight decrease in deaths from the virus compared to the week before, the numbers highlight the ongoing threat of the pandemic.
Jeff Loesch, director of pharmacy for Kroger’s Dallas Division, emphasizes that all pharmacies will adhere to guidelines for transporting and administering the vaccine. He details the specific storage requirements for different COVID vaccines. Pfizer’s vaccine needs to be stored at extremely low temperatures (-60 to -80 degrees Celsius) until thawed for use and can be refrigerated for up to five days. Moderna’s vaccine also requires freezing but can be refrigerated for up to 30 days and kept at room temperature for 12 hours. Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine, on the other hand, has less stringent storage conditions and can be stored in normal refrigeration for up to three months.
Loesch assures that Kroger and other pharmacies have the necessary means to transport vaccines refrigerated. He states, “We do have means to transport vaccines refrigerated,” and adds that they bring the vaccines to room temperature for administration. He emphasizes that Kroger, along with other pharmacies, has a well-established process in place for managing vaccines, ensuring they are kept within proper temperature ranges. This infrastructure is crucial not just for COVID and flu vaccines but for all vaccines.
The collective message from health authorities and pharmacy experts is clear: vaccination remains a key strategy in combating the spread of COVID-19 and flu. The public is encouraged to take heed of these recommendations to protect themselves and those around them from these illnesses.
