Larimer County Health Officials Urge Residents to Get Vaccinated Against Respiratory Viruses
Larimer County Department of Health and Environment is encouraging residents to get vaccinated against influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus as Colorado enters respiratory illness season, following international trends that suggest a potentially severe flu season ahead.
The health department issued the recommendation October 24 as Colorado reported 215 hospitalizations for viral respiratory diseases in October, with COVID-19 accounting for the majority of cases, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Viral Respiratory Disease Dashboard.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are recommended for everyone aged six months and older. RSV vaccines are recommended for adults 75 years and older, those with underlying conditions, and pregnant people during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy.
International Patterns Signal Early, Severe Season
Matt Bauer, Larimer County's Communicable Disease and Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager, said global trends may offer insight into what Colorado could experience this winter.
Japan reported its flu season arrived approximately five weeks earlier than usual and has spread widely, with far more cases than in recent years, resulting in over 100 school closures throughout the country.
Countries in the southern hemisphere also experienced elevated respiratory illness levels. Australia reported more than 410,000 lab-confirmed flu cases this year, surpassing last year's record. New Zealand similarly reported higher-than-normal illness levels during its May through October flu season.
These international patterns have historically preceded similar activity in Colorado and the United States, with surges in Australia and Asia often followed three to six months later by elevated respiratory virus activity in Northern Colorado.
Standing Order Expands COVID-19 Vaccine Access
A statewide standing order that took effect in September allows all eligible Coloradans to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine at pharmacies and other authorized sites without a separate physician prescription.
The standing order, issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's Chief Medical Officer on September 3, authorizes nurses, pharmacists and other approved health professionals to administer COVID-19 vaccines following standardized protocols rather than requiring individual prescriptions for each patient.
The change removes barriers for Larimer and Weld County residents seeking vaccination, particularly those without regular healthcare providers or facing transportation challenges. All major pharmacy chains, local health departments and many community clinics in Northern Colorado participate in the program.
RSV Protection Focuses on High-Risk Groups
RSV vaccines target specific populations at highest risk for severe illness. Adults 75 years and older are eligible after consultation with healthcare providers to determine individual risk factors.
Pregnant people should receive RSV vaccination during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy to protect newborns through antibody transfer. This timing is critical, as infants face their highest risk during early months when direct vaccination is not yet possible.
Infants entering their first winter also need protection against RSV infection. If protection was not provided during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy, infants are recommended to receive an immunizing injection during RSV season, which runs from October through March.
Dr. Paul Mayer, Larimer County's Medical Officer, emphasized the importance of proactive prevention measures.
"Now is the time to start thinking about the steps to take to do your best to stay healthy and stop the spread of respiratory viruses throughout our schools, workplaces, and community," Mayer said. "Vaccination remains one of the best tools we have to decrease the risk of becoming severely ill, hospitalized or even dying from these common diseases."
Insurance Coverage and Access
Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations are widely available at pharmacies, clinics and primary care offices throughout Larimer and Weld Counties. Most insurance companies cover the costs of all three vaccines for eligible recipients.
Larimer County Department of Health and Environment clinics provide flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines to eligible children and a limited number of adults who meet specific criteria. Residents can call 970-498-6700 or visit larimer.gov/vaccines for more information or to schedule appointments.
Uninsured and underinsured residents can access no-cost or low-cost vaccines through local health departments, federally qualified health centers and state programs.
Prevention Measures Beyond Vaccination
The health department recommends additional steps to prevent respiratory virus transmission:
- Practice good hygiene and wash hands often with soap and water
- Stay home when sick for at least 24 hours after fever subsides
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve
- Consider wearing a well-fitting mask, which reduces virus spread when worn by infected individuals and protects wearers from infectious particles
- Get adequate rest
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
Colorado's typical respiratory virus season runs from October through April, with flu activity peaking between December and February. RSV primarily affects infants and young children from November through February, while COVID-19 has shown variable patterns with significant winter activity and occasional variant-driven surges.
For more information on staying healthy this season, visit larimer.gov/stayhealthy. Colorado data on respiratory viruses is available at cdphe.colorado.gov/viral-respiratory-diseases-report.