What about routine vaccines?
4/2/2020 by Dr. Robert M. Jacobson; Debra Goodew, RN; and Julie Gebel, RN
Nothing is routine right now. Schools are closed. Shops and businesses are closed. Everyone is asked to stay home and practice social distancing. But what if you're due for routine vaccinations? We know they're important, but are getting vaccines that are due worth the risk of COVID-19 exposure?
Respiratory illnesses that can be prevented by the vaccines are a concern. Outbreaks of influenza, measles and pertussis would only make matters worse for a community struggling with COVID-19. That's why Mayo Clinic recommends that no one get behind in their vaccines.
- Mayo Clinic will still conduct routine vaccinations of infants through the first 15 months of life, since these infants can't wait, not even one month, without falling behind in their vaccines.
- For older children and adults who are currently up-to-date with their vaccines, they can wait a month, two months, or perhaps up to a year and not actually be late with the vaccines that are due now.
- If you haven't received your influenza vaccine, you need to get it. Influenza is still widespread in Minnesota, and outbreaks are still occurring. The state regularly has influenza outbreaks into May.
- If you don't know if you are late or just due for a vaccine, please contact your primary care team.
During this COVID-19 pandemic, Mayo Clinic is conducting virtual visits by phone or by video to keep patients from having to leave their homes. If you or a member of your household needs to be seen face-to-face, during your visit you'll get any vaccines that are due.
Dr. Robert Jacobson; Debra Goodew, RN; and Julie Gebel, RN, lead the Primary Care Immunization Program for Primary Care in Southeast Minnesota.