The Eastern Highlands Health District (EHHD) released its 2025-2026 season vaccination recommendations on Oct. 7, urging local residents to stay up to date on their influenza, COVID-19 and RSV shots this fall.
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In a press release, EHHD recommended flu and COVID-19 shots for all adults and children aged six months and older, including pregnant people. Routine RSV boosters are recommended as well, and are especially important for older people, infants and high-risk or immunocompromised people.
“We urge everyone to consult with their healthcare provider about the vaccines appropriate for them and to get vaccinated as soon as possible,” said Robert Miller, EHHD director of public health, in the press release.
EHHD provides influenza vaccinations, and its vaccination clinic schedule is available on its website. It has also partnered with Beacon Pharmacy to provide COVID-19 and RSV shots to the community.
EHHD suggests staying home when sick and masking in high-risk locations. The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) says October is the best time to get vaccinated so that the vaccine’s effects last the whole season.
“While the HHS and CDC have modified their recommendations, the Connecticut Department of Public Health has released their own recommendations for Connecticut,” said Miller in an interview.
He says Connecticut’s recommendations have remained the same from last year, despite any changes on the federal level.
According to EHHD and the Connecticut DPH, those who have recently been infected with COVID-19 should wait three months after infection to get their COVID-19 booster. Those who have just received the 2024-2025 vaccine variant should wait eight weeks before getting the updated version.
Miller said COVID-19 cases spiked in a notable way in the EHHD in September. As the virus has mutated, it’s evolved into a seasonal respiratory illness, not unlike the flu. High vaccination rates reduce the risk of severe cases and protect those in the community who may already be immunocompromised.
“The act of getting yourself vaccinated against seasonal respiratory illness is not only an act to protect yourself, but an important act to protect your friends, family, and community,” Miller said.