"Polk County Health Department Urges Holiday Gathering Attendees to Update Vaccines"

The Polk County Health Department in Iowa is urging residents to get updated respiratory shots as hospitalization rates for flu, COVID-19, and RSV reach their highest levels since March. However, vaccination rates for respiratory diseases are alarmingly low, with only 12.4% of Polk County residents up-to-date with the COVID-19 vaccine and 31.3% receiving the flu shot. The department emphasizes the importance of protecting vulnerable populations and encourages individuals to consider the health risks they may pose to others. Despite COVID-19 concerns diminishing, it is crucial to prioritize respiratory vaccinations, and if individuals haven't received a COVID-19 vaccine in the last six months, they should get another dose.