Chaffee County, CO — Chaffee County Public Health (CCPH) is alerting the community that influenza activity in Chaffee County is mirroring statewide trends in Colorado, with high rates of influenza and increased hospitalizations compared with prior seasons. Statewide, Colorado continues to experience very high levels of influenza and a growing number of individuals hospitalized due to complications. Hospitalizations in Chaffee County are also higher than average, as reported by Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center, with a majority of individuals hospitalized over the age of 65.
Influenza poses a serious risk, especially for older adults, young children, pregnant people and anyone who is immunocompromised. CCPH urges everyone 6 months and older who have not been vaccinated to receive a flu vaccine. While this year’s vaccine may be less effective due to a drift in the flu virus as it traveled across the world, it still remains the best available tool for preventing severe outcomes, including hospitalization and death. Flu activity often continues well into the spring, and the flu vaccine protects against three different strains of influenza, so it is not too late to get vaccinated. The vaccine is widely available at CCPH, local clinics and local pharmacies.
In addition to vaccination, CCPH recommends a variety of measures to help stop the spread of diseases, including frequent handwashing, staying home when sick, and covering coughs and sneezes. Very high risk individuals should consider avoiding crowded places, or wearing a mask when around individuals, during this time of peak transmission. High risk individuals may also be advised to get a prescription for Tamiflu if diagnosed with influenza and should talk to their health care provider about this option.
Also, recent federal changes to childhood vaccination schedules have concern from the community. CCPH has been advised by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to continue to follow the immunization schedule issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics, an evidence-based schedule that has been in existence for many years. Colorado’s child care and school immunization requirements have also not changed. CCPH will continue to share information as soon as it becomes available and is committed to protecting our community and offering these life-saving vaccinations widely.
“We recognize that recent federal conversations about childhood vaccination guidelines have created confusion and concern for many parents and caregivers,” said Andrea Carlstrom, Director at Chaffee County Public Health. “Our role is to be a trusted, non-judgmental resource for our community. We want families to know they can come to us with questions, talk through concerns, and receive clear, evidence-based information in a safe and respectful space.”
