We all know that fall, winter, and even springtime in our areas can be fraught with upper respiratory illness!

The CDC notes, “Fall and winter are a time when viruses that cause respiratory disease usually circulate more heavily in the community. Before COVID-19, two viruses, flu, and RSV, were the main causes of severe respiratory disease during this time of year….Along with the seasonal influenza and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19 has become a part of the respiratory virus season.”

Chautauqua County Office for Aging Service and NY Connects has joined the Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative, led by USAging, to launch its “You’ve Got This” initiative here in our County. We are working to remove common barriers like transportation needs, location, and time that make it tough for older adults, working adults, people with disabilities, and vulnerable populations from getting vaccinated. We will be coming to many communities near you.

Should I Get Vaccinated?

Getting vaccinated is the best way to reduce your risk of getting very sick if you do get these diseases. The people most at risk for getting very sick from these diseases are older adults, people with disabilities, and people who have compromised immune systems or health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease. The CDC stresses, “Making sure that you are up to date on the vaccines recommended for you is an important strategy to prevent severe disease and protect yourself and others around you. Higher levels of vaccination across the population will also help reduce the number of hospitalizations and risk of hospital strain.” Talk with your doctor or medical provider about what is right for you. We are working all over the County to offer vaccine clinics in your areas: Churches, Schools, housing, and at various community events.

No matter what your age, protect yourself and your loved ones. Add the COVID-19 and flu vaccines to your to-do list and we’ll help you check it off. The Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative, powered by USAging, has partnered with Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services NY Connects to make getting your annual shots for COVID-19 and flu shots easy.

Some locations for:

— Blackwell Church, Jamestown Saturday at noon

— Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Dunkirk Saturday at 3 p.m.

— Brookdale, Lakewood, Tuesday at 10 a.m.

— Dunkirk Senior Center, Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 10:30 a.m.

— Assembly of Christian Churches, Jamestown, Feb. 21 at 2:30 p.m.

— Emmanuel Temple Apostolic Church, Jamestown, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

— Brocton Central School, Friday, March 15 at 3 p.m.

AT NY Connects, we give information and assistance to folks of every age, in many situations. We also encourage you to plan and be prepared for things we know will happen: changing health needs, community needs in transportation, nutrition needs, health insurance, care at home, benefit eligibility, home safety, and discharges from the hospital or nursing care centers. Call NY Connects Helpline at (716) 753-4582 or e-mail us at CCNYC@chqgov.com NY Connects is the place to call to get the help you need.

NY Connects assists people of all ages with long-term needs and wants to stay in the community. It is confidential, free, and focused on the consumer’s needs and the available resources. NY Connects is brought to you by the Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services and the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services.