Bay Area health officials recommend flu, COVID shots despite CDC dropping universal recommendations

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) -- Despite the CDC dropping their COVID-19 universal vaccine recommendations, Bay Area health officials have a different opinion. They say the COVID vaccine remains the best way to protect yourself and others.

All 13 Bay Area public health directors released a joint message telling the community that it's time to protect yourself from flu, COVID, and RSV, and vaccinations are the best way to do so.

"When all 13 health officers come together, they're really unified in this important message," Santa Clara Co. Deputy Health Officer Dr. Monika Roy said. "Vaccines are still the best way to protect yourself from getting really sick or hospitalized from COVID, flu and other respiratory viruses."

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Dr Roy says insured individuals in California still have access to the vaccines needed.

She says high-risk groups like infants, the elderly and pregnant women should also get the RSV shot, but everyone 6 months and older are recommended to get the updated flu and COVID vaccines after a busy summer.

"Unlike flu we're seeing two peaks. One in summer and one in the winter season," Roy said. "We don't know what COVID exactly is gonna look like this winter, but we are expecting to see a bump in winter and then every year, we've seen a big rise both in flu and RSV."

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This fact highlights the recommendation from health officers.

It's an opposing view from that of the CDC, which recently dropped its universal recommendations. Dr. Roy says this has led to a slow roll out of certain shots ahead of flu season at some health care providers.

But she assures all vaccines are available now across the Bay Area - and those who want them can get them.

"I think we remain focused on our mission here at the public health, which is to protect the health of the community to continue providing science based information," Dr. Roy said. "Luckily here in California, we have a lot of support in doing that."

If you're looking for a COVID or a flu shot in the South Bay, you're asked to visit publichealth.santaclaracounty.gov or contact your health care provider.