COVID and respiratory virus update

New vaccine recommendations and how long to stay home after being sick

PRESS RELEASE
March 7, 2024

Additional COVID vaccine dose recommended for those 65+

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that people aged 65 years and older receive one additional dose of any updated (2023 – 2024 formula) COVID-19 vaccine at least four months following the previous dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine. People aged 65 years and older have the highest COVID-19 hospitalization rates. Contact a medical provider, pharmacy, or make an appointment with Garfield County Public Health for a vaccine.

CDC simplifies guidance on how long to stay home after illness

For anyone recovering from a respiratory illness like COVID, flu, or RSV, it is important to stay home when sick. People may return to routine public activities once fever has been gone for at least 24 hours (without fever reducing medications) and as long as symptoms are getting better.

New guidance removes the five-day isolation period but recommends that additional precautions are taken while out in public. For five days following a respiratory illness it is recommended that people wear a well-fitting mask, keep a distance from others, practice good handwashing and hygiene practices, and increase ventilation to keep clean air circulating as much as possible.

This guidance is for community prevention and does not apply to healthcare settings. For more information on Garfield County Public Health visit the public health website.