08 Oct Fall 2023 COVID & Flu Protection
Fall & Winter Virus Season
As we enter the fall season, it’s the optimal time for caregivers and seniors to ensure they’re up-to-date on the latest flu and COVID-19 vaccines. We’ve gathered some key information for the new COVID-19 variants and 2023-2024 flu season, so that you can take steps to protect your health now!
2023-2024 Flu Season Vaccines
The best way for caregivers to protect themselves and seniors is by getting the flu vaccine every year in early fall (September-October). Flu vaccines can keep you from getting sick with the flu, and reduce the risk of severe illness or hospitalization from the flu. Flu vaccines are updated each season to keep up with new strains of the virus, and also because your immunity can decrease over time. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) specifically recommends the three following flu vaccines for people 65 years and older:
- Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent inactivated flu vaccine
- FluBlok Quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine
- Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted inactivated flu vaccine.
Available studies suggest that these three vaccines are potentially more effective people 65 years and older than standard dose, unadjuvanted flu vaccines. For more information on the 2023-2024 flu season, visit the CDC’s official resource page.
Additionally, En Su Casa will be hosting a free flu clinic for employees only at our San Antonio main headquarters on Oct. 13, 2023. Please contact our office at 210-922-2960 for questions or more information.
Updated COVID-19 Vaccines
Although the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an end to the COVID-19 global health emergency in May 2023, new surges in cases and the risk for new variants remains. If you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine within the past two months, it’s recommended to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself for the fall and winter virus season.
Updated COVID-19 vaccines that target the prevalent XBB variant will be available early fall at CVS and Walgreens. The vaccines are available to most U.S. adults at no cost through private health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid plans. For adults without health insurance or vaccine coverage, the CDC’s Bridge Access Program will provide free COVID-19 vaccines until December 31, 2024.
Free COVID-19 Tests
Beginning Monday, September 25, every U.S. household can order four free COVID-19 rapid tests. The tests can be ordered by visiting covid.gov/tests and will be delivered to you via the U.S. postal service. You can also contact your local En Su Casa branch for assistance in ordering your rapid tests.
San Antonio Resources
If you’re located in the San Antonio area, the City of San Antonio has a dedicated COVID-19 webpage with information on where to find tests, vaccines, financial assistance, and more.
Anyone six months and older can also receive free COVID-19 and flu vaccines at any San Antonio Metro Health pop-up clinic. For a list of ongoing pop-up clinics through the city, visit this webpage. No registration is needed. For questions, contact Metro Health by calling 3-1-1 or 210-207-6000, or email covid-19@sanantonio.gov. You can also contact any of our En Su Casa branches for assistance.
