CDC recommends updated COVID-19 vaccine for Fall/Winter Virus Season 

CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness this fall and winter. Updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are currently available in New Mexico.

Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death. Vaccination also reduces your chance of suffering the effects of Long COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended duration.  If you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past 2 months, get an updated COVID-19 vaccine  to protect yourself this fall and winter.

Finding A Vaccine

The NMDOH vaccine registration website has been retired. Instead, NMDOH offers an interactive map at VaccineNM.org to easily locate available appointments. Members of the public seeking vaccinations can conveniently schedule appointments directly with pharmacies and healthcare providers. Those interested in accessing their vaccine history can do so at VaxViewNM.org. Support for login issues is available through the NMSIIS Help Desk at 833-882-6454. 

Vaccine Cost

COVID-19 vaccines remain readily accessible at no cost to most residents, with health insurance plans typically covering them in full. Uninsured individuals can receive the COVID-19 vaccine free of charge through a network of health centers, public health offices, and participating pharmacies in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program, ensuring universal vaccine access. 

Flu & RSV Vaccines

Flu and RSV vaccines are readily available at healthcare providers and pharmacies throughout the state. According to the CDC, everyone 6 months and older is eligible for and should get the flu vaccine, especially adults 65 and older and pregnant people in their first and second trimesters.

If you need assistance with scheduling a flu, COVID or RSV vaccine, contact the NMDOH Call Center at 1-855-600-3453 hours are M-F 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Co-infections of COVID-19 and the flu can be severe. Vaccination is your best protection from respiratory viruses, and it’s important to get the flu vaccine before the height of flu season. Getting your vaccine in September or October is highly recommended. 

This post is an excerpt of the CDC’s media release titled CDC Recommends Updated COVID-19 Vaccine for Fall/Winter Virus Season from September 12, 2023 and NM Department of Health’s media release titled CDC recommends updated COVID-19 vaccine for Fall/Winter Virus Season from September 13, 2023.