Care Connection: Don't 'fall' behind on seasonal vaccines

October 16, 2023

From football and pumpkin-spiced flavors to cooler weather and spectacular foliage, there are plenty of reasons the fall season is one that so many people look forward to each year.

But those seasonal favorites aren’t the only things that reappear when autumn arrives. This time of year also tends to see an uptick in viruses due to the changing weather and more people spending time indoors around others.

As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out, vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against these viruses and their potentially serious outcomes. For the first time in U.S. history, vaccines for all three major respiratory viruses – COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – are available this fall.

Although some people have mild symptoms when they have COVID-19, flu, or RSV, others get sick enough to be hospitalized. That makes vaccination against these respiratory viruses important for everyone, but especially for those who are at higher risk of developing serious complications, including older people and people with medical conditions.

All WVU Medicine employees are required to get a flu vaccine by Wednesday, Nov. 29 (unless they have an approved medical or religious exemption), and you can check with your local hospital for more details about this year’s flu vaccine campaign. If you have questions about receiving a COVID-19 or RSV vaccine, which are not currently required for employees, check with your local hospital, pharmacy, or primary care provider.

If you have a cough, fever, or other symptoms that could signal flu or another of these respiratory viruses, WVU Medicine Care Connection can help.

WVU Medicine employees and their families who are enrolled in a WVU Medicine medical plan can receive free, convenient virtual care options with a secure connection via a smartphone, computer, or tablet. You’ll discuss your symptoms with a WVU Medicine provider, and they’ll develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. (Due to state licensing requirements, you must be physically located in West Virginia at the time of receiving the service.)

The Care Connection programs include:

  • Virtual video visits treat acute, non-emergent primary care needs for patients in West Virginia. (These visits are free if completed through WVU Urgent Care.)
  • E-visits can be used to treat a wide range of conditions via MyWVUChart for patients in West Virginia.
  • Nurse navigators offer quick, expert advice and answer any questions about your symptoms: 1-844-484-2360. This service is available to patients in every state except Alaska, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon, and Rhode Island.

Care Connection patients may need additional testing, imaging, or treatment for serious illnesses or injuries. If you or a family member is experiencing severe pain or discomfort, visit the emergency room or call 911.