Get your annual flu vaccine ideally by the end of October
Denver (Sept. 25, 2023) — The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is encouraging everyone aged 6 months and older to get their annual flu vaccine, ideally before the end of October. Starting today, CDPHE will send text and email reminders to more than 333,000 Coloradans 60 - 64 years old whose records in the Colorado Immunization Information System show they may be due for their annual flu vaccine.
These notifications will also encourage recipients to talk with their health care provider about their risk for severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) illness, as well as the potential benefits of two new RSV vaccines, and if RSV vaccination is covered by their insurance. In June, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended two new single-dose RSV vaccines — Abrysvo and Arexvy — both found to be equally safe and effective for adults aged 60 and older.
The text messages will come from 45778 and read:
From CDPHE: State public health records show you may be due for your annual flu vaccine. Vaccination is the most effective tool for preventing severe illness caused by flu. Contact a vaccine provider today to get your flu vaccine, and ask if an RSV vaccine is right for you and if it is covered by your insurance. For more info, visit https://fluvaxcolorado.org/ or https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/rsv/public/older-adults.html. Opt out=STOP
Emails will come from cdphe.vaccine.registry@state.co.us and read:
Hello,
State public health records from the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS) indicate you may be due for your annual flu and RSV vaccines. Vaccination is the most effective tool for preventing severe illness caused by these viral infections. Getting your recommended vaccines can be the difference that keeps you or someone you love out of the hospital.
Ask your health care provider if an RSV vaccine is right for you and if it is covered by your insurance. You can get the COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines at the same time. Data shows that one dose of RSV vaccine is 83% effective in preventing severe lung infections due to RSV in people aged 60 years and older.
Contact a health care provider, a local public health agency, or a local pharmacy to make a vaccine appointment today. You can also visit vaccines.gov to find flu vaccine providers near your ZIP code.
For more information about flu vaccines, visit fluvaxcolorado.org. Learn more about RSV vaccination on CDC’s website.
*Note. If you already got your flu and/or RSV vaccine, let us know about it by completing this secure Google form and attach a copy of your RSV vaccination record. We are standing by to update your immunization record in CIIS.
CDPHE continues to work closely with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on when more of the new seasonal COVID-19 vaccines will be available in Colorado. We will share new information soon.
Medicare, Medicaid, CHP+, and most private health insurers cover the full cost of the flu vaccine. You don’t have to pay anything to health care providers that accept your health plan. If you don’t have health insurance, you can still get the flu vaccine for free or low cost at certain health care providers. Free and low-cost vaccine providers, as well as additional information on flu vaccines, can be found at fluvaxcolorado.org. Protect yourself and your loved ones against the flu by contacting your health care provider, local public health agency, or pharmacy to make a vaccine appointment today.
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