Three regional health departments are urging Hamilton County residents to get flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines before the holiday season.
Hamilton County Public Health, the Cincinnati Health Department and the Northern Kentucky Health Department issued a joint advisory Tuesday, Sept. 15. The departments warned that the Greater Cincinnati region has seen spikes in respiratory illness hospitalizations in recent years, sometimes pushing hospitals to capacity.
The advisory covers residents across the region, including those in Indian Hill, Madeira, Mariemont, Terrace Park and Sycamore Township.
Dr. Stephen Feagins, medical director at Hamilton County Public Health, said vaccines give the immune system time to prepare before holiday gatherings bring families together indoors.
"We always encourage getting your flu, RSV and COVID-19 vaccinations in the fall so that you have time to build full immunity before the holidays, but really, anytime is the right time," Feagins said.
Full protection takes about two weeks.
About 1 million Americans were hospitalized with a respiratory illness from 2024 to 2025, and more than 70,000 died, the CDC estimated. Hamilton County Public Health cited those figures in a fact sheet published Sept. 11. Respiratory illnesses are typically among the top 10 causes of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Dr. Grant Mussman, health commissioner at the Cincinnati Health Department, said in the advisory that staying current on vaccinations "meaningfully reduces your chance of a serious illness and the potential that you'll have to be hospitalized from these viruses." The advisory noted that vaccines do not guarantee someone will avoid getting sick but significantly lessen the chances of severe illness, hospitalization or death.
Who faces the highest risk
Health officials said several groups face elevated danger from respiratory viruses:
- Pregnant people
- Infants and children aged 5 and under
- Adults aged 65 and older
- People with asthma, diabetes, chronic heart, kidney or lung disease, or weakened immune systems
For children under one year old, RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia, according to the advisory.
Flu, RSV and COVID-19 share many symptoms, including runny nose, sore throat, cough, headache and congestion. Lab tests are often needed to tell them apart.
Where to get vaccinated
Vaccines for all three viruses are available year-round at physicians' offices, clinics and pharmacies. Health officials recommend talking with a healthcare provider about which vaccines are appropriate, especially for children, whose recommendations vary by age.
The advisory urges residents to seek immediate medical care for difficulty breathing, bluish skin, chest pain, confusion, severe vomiting or sudden dizziness.
Residents can contact Hamilton County Public Health at 513-946-7800 or visit hcph.org for more information.
