(BPT) - As the holiday season approaches, it's important to remember that it often comes with a heightened risk for respiratory viruses like COVID-19.¹ Data from the past four years suggest COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths consistently peak during the winter months.¹ Immunity from your last COVID-19 infection may not protect you this winter.² If you got COVID-19 over the summer, you can help protect yourself with an updated vaccine.³ Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your best options and get informed before large gatherings during holiday festivities.

Who is most at risk for developing Long COVID or severe COVID-19 symptoms?

COVID-19 can still have a serious negative impact on your health today causing respiratory symptoms similar to the flu or pneumonia.⁴ For adults 65 and older, immunocompromised individuals, or those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions, or lung disease, infections can develop into more serious symptoms and put people at higher risk for serious illness and hospitalization.^4,5 The CDC recommends that people 65 years and older and for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised receive a second dose of 2024-2025 updated COVID-19 vaccine six months after their last dose (and possibly a third dose in consultation with their healthcare provider).⁶

In addition to the risk of developing serious illness and potential hospitalization, nearly one in five American adults who have had COVID-19 continue to suffer from symptoms months after infection, developing Long COVID.⁷ Anyone that gets COVID is at risk of having Long COVID - regardless of their age or health status.⁸

"Getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible is vital to protect yourself and your loved ones this holiday season. COVID-19 is here to stay, vaccination is an excellent way to prevent severe illness from the virus," said Jerome M. Adams, M.D., M.P.H. and former U.S. Surgeon General (2017-2021).

When to get your updated vaccine

Routine vaccination is one of the most effective methods for preventing severe illness from both COVID-19 and the flu.^9,10 If you have questions about getting the updated vaccines, it's important to talk to your health care provider. If you had COVID-19 this summer, the CDC says you may wait three months (90 days) from when your symptoms began or a positive test before getting your updated vaccine.³