Healthcare Worker Vaccines: 2024 Respiratory Virus Season
- Protecting healthcare workers through vaccination is essential to maintaining a healthy workforce and preventing the spread of respiratory viruses to vulnerable patients.
- The Centers for disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging healthcare workers to get vaccinated against respiratory viruses, including the flu, COVID-19, and RSV, as the respiratory virus...
- Vaccines reduce the risk of illness and transmission. For instance, the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine was 58% effective against critical illness and death for up to six months post-vaccination.
Healthcare workers, protect yourselves and patients this respiratory virus season. News Directory 3 reports the CDC urges vaccination against the flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Safeguarding healthcare professionals through vaccination is key to workforce health. Vaccines, including updated COVID-19 options targeting current variants, significantly reduce illness severity and transmission.Free or low-cost options are available. Consider the RSV vaccine if you’re over 75. Discover what’s next regarding this recommendation.
healthcare Workers Urged to Get Vaccinated against respiratory Viruses
Updated May 25, 2025
The Centers for disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging healthcare workers to get vaccinated against respiratory viruses, including the flu, COVID-19, and RSV, as the respiratory virus season begins.Vaccination, along with standard infection control practices, is a critical tool for protecting both healthcare workers and their patients.
Vaccines reduce the risk of illness and transmission. For instance, the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine was 58% effective against critical illness and death for up to six months post-vaccination. Updated COVID-19 vaccines for 2024-2025 are designed to protect against currently circulating variants and may also reduce the risk of Long COVID.
The CDC recommends that all healthcare workers consider recommended vaccines for respiratory viruses. Most health insurance plans cover COVID-19 vaccines at no cost. Free vaccines are also available for those without insurance or whose plans don’t cover the full cost. Individuals 65 and older, and those with underlying conditions, face a higher risk of severe complications from these viruses.
The RSV vaccine is recommended for adults 75 and older, and those 60-74 at higher risk. it is also recommended for pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks gestation during September through January to protect infants from severe RSV disease. Healthcare workers should consult their facility’s Occupational Health Department or their healthcare provider for more details on recommended vaccines.
The CDC and other federal agencies closely monitor vaccine safety. Employer-sponsored vaccination programs can help staff receive recommended vaccines conveniently and cost-effectively.
What’s next
Healthcare facilities should stay informed about local respiratory virus activity and implement strategies to encourage staff vaccination.