Public health officials in the Bay Area and surrounding counties are reminding people to stay safe this holiday season and follow some basic medical advice.
As flu season moves into winter and the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, increases, we urge people to get vaccinated against COVID, influenza and RSV.
Authorities recommend that everyone 6 months and older get the updated COVID-19 vaccine, with children 6 months to 4 years old and immunocompromised people who have never been vaccinated should receive additional doses.
People who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover the vaccine can get a free dose by visiting www.vaccines.gov.
Additionally, everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu shot, while people over 60 and those 32 to 36 months pregnant should get the RSV vaccine.
Health officials also urge people who are sick to stay home, not go to work or school, and to get tested for COVID-19.
Free COVID-19 testing is available at www.covid.gov/tests.
If someone tests positive for COVID-19, treatment is available and people should talk to their doctor or visit www.covid19.ca.gov/treatment.
It’s important to remember that wearing a good mask, such as a KF94, KN95, or N95, in indoor public spaces can protect against COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and other respiratory viruses.
Additionally, you can reduce the spread of the virus by improving ventilation, such as turning on your HVAC system, using portable HEPA filters, pointing fans at open windows, or opening doors and windows.
From Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Marin County, Monterey County, Napa County, Santa Clara County, Santa Cruz County, San Benito County, San Francisco County, San Mateo County Public health officials in , Solano and Sonoma counties and the city of Berkeley issued health alerts Thursday.