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Missouri health officials urge flu prevention amid seasonal uptick

PCHD Web Admin
For Immediate Release:
Dec. 31, 2025Media Contact:
Lisa Cox
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

Missouri health officials urge flu prevention amid seasonal uptick

JEFFERSON CITY, MO — The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) reports a significant increase in influenza activity across the state as the 2025–2026 flu season progresses. As shown on the Missouri Influenza Surveillance Dashboard, DHSS has recorded 9,255 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases and 558 flu-related hospitalizations statewide. 

Flu activity in Missouri typically begins in October and peaks during the winter months. This season, emergency department visits for influenza-like illness and positive lab tests have climbed above baseline levels in the first week of December, prompting health officials to remind residents of the importance of preventive measures. 

“Flu is more than just a seasonal inconvenience—it can lead to serious health outcomes, especially in vulnerable populations,” said Dr. George Turabelidze, state epidemiologist. “Influenza vaccination and simple preventive steps are key to keeping Missouri families healthy this winter.” 

The best defense against influenza is annual vaccination. DHSS recommends that everyone aged six months and older receive a flu shot as soon as possible. Vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications, especially for high-risk groups such as seniors, young children and individuals with chronic health conditions. 

Additional steps to protect yourself and others include: 

  • Practice good hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 
  • Cover coughs and sneezes: Use a tissue or your elbow, not your hands. 
  • Avoid close contact with sick individuals: If you are ill, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever subsides. 
  • Limit face-touching: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to reduce self-inoculation and the spread of germs. 
  • Clean surfaces: To reduce influenza risk, consistently clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces which could be contaminated with flu viruses. 

Weekly updates on flu activity, including county-level data and trends, are available on the Missouri Influenza Dashboard. 

For more information on flu prevention and where to get vaccinated, visit health.mo.gov. 

Stay protected this respiratory illness season

PCHD Web Admin

For Immediate Release
Nov. 21, 2024

Stay protected this respiratory illness season
It’s not too late to vaccinate

 

JEFFERSON CITY, MO —Respiratory illness season has begun, and state and local health officials encourage everyone to protect themselves and their loved ones from respiratory viruses and diseases circulating this winter, including influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19 and pertussis (whooping cough). Vaccination remains a key tool to prevent illness, reduce severe symptoms and protect Missouri communities.

Each of these illnesses can spread quickly and have the ability to lead to serious illness, especially among those who are pregnant or have underlying health conditions or among young children and older adults. Vaccination, along with everyday preventive measures, offers strong protection against these viruses and diseases.

 

Influenza (Flu)

The flu vaccine can lower the risk of serious flu complications and hospitalizations. This year’s flu shot targets the strains predicted to circulate most widely. Since the flu season typically peaks in winter months, it’s still beneficial to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of infection and transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone age 6 months and older receive the updated 2024-2025 influenza vaccine.

 

“There are also concerning overlapping dangers of the risk of flu with our high burden of chronic disease in Missouri,” said Dr. Heidi Miller, chief medical officer with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). “Heart disease remains the number one cause of death among Missourians, and 9 of 10 adults hospitalized for flu have preexisting heart disease or other chronic conditions. The risk of heart attack is 6-fold higher during the one week after influenza is diagnosed.”

 

Missouri’s interactive flu dashboard is updated weekly with statewide and county-level flu data.

View photos of Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson receiving their annual flu shots earlier this month.

 

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

RSV, a common virus that can cause severe respiratory infections in infants and older adults, is also preventable. RSV vaccines are now available both for older adults and for pregnant women to protect newborns. Immunizations are also available for infants at high risk.

 

Pharmacists cannot provide RSV vaccines without a health care provider’s prescription.

COVID-19

COVID-19 remains a concern as new variants emerge. COVID-19 vaccines and updated boosters provide protection against severe illness and hospitalization.

 

  • This season’s updated vaccine is available without a prescription and recommended by the CDC for everyone age 6 months and up and especially for high-risk individuals.
  • In addition, the CDC recommends a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for people 65 years and older and those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised 6 months after their first dose.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services renewed its COVID-19 test program, allowing people to order four free over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per family.  These tests will detect the currently circulating COVID-19 variants and are intended for use through the end of 2024. People can also find instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates for any tests they may already have. To request a free COVID-19 test, visit COVIDtests.gov.

 

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Though not a virus, pertussis, or whooping cough, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by bacteria that can be especially dangerous for young children. The Tdap vaccine, recommended for adults and adolescents, protects against pertussis, as well as tetanus and diphtheria. Infants and young children should follow the recommended DTaP vaccine schedule, and expectant mothers should receive Tdap in the third trimester to protect their newborns.

 

Whooping cough cases have been on the rise already in 2024 throughout the country. Missouri is currently experiencing a severalfold increase in the rate of cases statewide. The rate of Missouri kindergartners vaccinated with DTap has steadily dropped 4% from the 2019-2020 school year to the 2023-2024 school year.

 

A person with whooping cough is contagious for up to 21 days after the onset of a cough if they do not take antibiotics. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment may shorten the amount of time someone is contagious.

Some people should receive antibiotics to prevent them from getting sick if they have been around someone with whooping cough. This should be discussed with the individual’s health care provider.

Other ways to prevent respiratory illnesses 

Everyone can take simple, effective steps to reduce the spread of these respiratory illnesses by washing hands frequently with soap and water, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, getting plenty of regular sleep, and staying home when sick to prevent spreading illness to others.

 

Vaccines are available at most local public health agencies, pharmacies and health care providers; however, pharmacists cannot provide RSV vaccines without a health care provider’s prescription. Additionally, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, provides free vaccines through providers to children who qualify. Learn more and find a VFC provider at this link.

 

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Rate of national measles cases highlights importance of vaccination

PCHD Web Admin

For Immediate Release
March 21, 2024

Media Contact:

Lisa Cox
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

 

Rate of national measles cases highlights importance of vaccination

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – As vaccine uptake continues to decrease, measles cases or outbreaks have emerged in several states, including Missouri earlier this year. Nationally, the total number of measles cases has already reached the level that occurred during the entire year of 2023. With cases reported across the country, the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS) recommends parents and guardians check their child’s vaccination records to make sure they have received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. This vaccine has been used in the United States since the 1970s and is a safe and effective way to protect children from measles. To be fully immunized, children are recommended to receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, with the first dose between ages 12-15 months and the second dose between ages 4-6 years old. Infants as young as 6 months can receive the first dose if traveling to areas where the measles infection rate is high. Families should consult their health care provider to discuss appropriate vaccine options for their children.

Herd immunity, achieved through a measles vaccination rate of 95% or more is crucial for preventing disease outbreaks in the community and protecting vulnerable populations who cannot receive vaccines.

 

“Achieving this level of vaccination creates a barrier that limits the spread of infectious disease within a community, safeguarding those who are unable to be vaccinated due to their age or compromised immune systems,” said Dr. George Turabelidze, state epidemiologist with DHSS.

Statewide, the MMR vaccination rate among kindergarteners has dropped steadily from 95.4% in the 2016-2017 school year to 90.5% at the start of the 2023-2024 school year, according to preliminary data reported by Missouri school districts. Religious (non-medical) exemptions have simultaneously increased from 1.9% to 3.5%.

 

The measles vaccine, given as part of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, is extremely effective, giving those vaccinated with just one dose 93% protection against measles infection. Both doses of the vaccine provide individuals with a 97% protection rate throughout their lifetime.

 

Measles is a highly contagious and serious disease, especially serious for children under age five and those who are immunocompromised. Common symptoms include a rash that starts as flat red spots on the head and spreads to other parts of the body, high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and tiny white spots inside the mouth. But in some instances, individuals with measles will develop brain infection, which can lead to brain damage, and for some the disease is fatal even with the best care.

 

The virus spreads through coughing and sneezing and can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves an area. A person can spread measles without knowing they are infected. If not treated, complications can grow in severity.

Most health insurance plans cover vaccines, but individuals should check with their insurance provider to verify coverage. For those without insurance, the Vaccines for Children Program, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provides free vaccines to children who qualify.

 

Additionally, most local public health agencies throughout the state of Missouri offer vaccinations at affordable rates. To find a local public health agency near you and schedule an appointment, visit the Local Public Health Agency Directory.

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OFFICIAL CDC HEALTH ADVISORY – December 14, 2023

PCHD Web Admin

Pike County Health Department is urging our communities to do your part in reducing the risk of communicable illnesses this holiday season. The best way to prevent hospitalizations from communicable diseases such as influenza, COVID and RSV is by getting your recommended immunizations. Vaccination is extremely important for those who are immune compromised, diabetic, have heart conditions and/or have other underlying conditions. Not only should older adults receive the flu vaccine, but healthy individuals as well. It is important to protect yourself as well as those around you. Pregnant women, speak with your doctor about getting the flu vaccine to help protect your unborn child. Healthy, non-symptomatic individuals can transmit the flu virus to others around them unknowingly.  It takes up to two weeks to build immunity after getting your vaccination, so getting yours soon is an important step in preventing the spread of these viruses.

The CDC advisory below only strengthens our message about the importance of getting your vaccinations to help reduce your risk of severe disease, including pneumonia, hospitalization, and death. When suffering from these illnesses it also reduces your immune system making you more susceptible to other infections making recovery difficult and lengthy.

Our office offers Flu & COVID vaccinations during our Walk-In Clinic hours Monday- Friday from 8:00am – 12:00 pm & from 1:00 pm – 4:00pm.

We will also be open THIS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16th from 9:00am – 11:00am in an attempt to have the flu vaccine available to those who are unable to receive it during those times. 

 

If you have any questions regarding seasonal vaccinations please contact our office and ask to speak with one of our Public Health Professionals 573-324-2111.

 

Distributed via the CDC Health Alert Network
December 14, 2023, 12:15 PM ET
CDCHAN-00503

Urgent Need to Increase Immunization Coverage for Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV Immunizations and Use of Authorized/Approved Therapeutics in the Setting of Increased Respiratory Disease

Reports of increased respiratory disease have been described in multiple countries recently. CDC is tracking increased respiratory disease activity in the United States for several respiratory pathogens, including influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV, across multiple indicators such as laboratory test positivity, emergency department visits, wastewater, and hospitalizations. Currently, the highest respiratory disease activity in the United States is occurring across the southern half of the country, with increasing activity in northern states.

In the past 4 weeks, hospitalizations among all age groups increased by 200% for influenza, 51% for COVID-19, and 60% for RSV. As of December 1, 2023, the weekly percentages of pediatric emergency department visits for pneumonia due to multiple etiologies were increasing since September in children, but remains consistent with prior fall and winter respiratory activity. To date, 12 pediatric influenza deaths have been reported during the 2023–2024 season. From September 1 through December 10, 2023, CDC received 30 reports of MIS-C, a rare complication that typically occurs 1 month after SARS-CoV-2 infection, with illness onset among cases occurring from August 6 to November 9, 2023, a relative increase compared with previous months. High RSV activity is also occurring across much of the United States.

Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV can result in severe disease, especially among unvaccinated persons. Infants, older adults, pregnant people, and people with certain underlying medical conditions remain at increased risk of severe COVID-19 and influenza disease. Infants and older adults remain at highest risk of severe RSV disease; it is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the United States. Vaccination for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV reduces the risk of severe disease, including pneumonia, hospitalization, and death. Vaccination for COVID-19 can also reduce the risk of MIS-C and post-COVID conditions.

 

Read more from this CDC health advisory here >>>

Sickness on the rise in Pike County!

PCHD Web Admin

It likely goes without saying that there are many unwelcomed illnesses arriving at your household this holiday season. Our communicable disease nurse reports that the COVID level is high as well as flu; especially influenza A. We are also aware that strep throat and RSV is hitting our county hard. We want to take this time to remind everyone to take these proper preventative precautions to keep yourself, your family and friends safe during this holiday season:

  1. Check with your healthcare provider on vaccines you may be eligible for to help prevent illness such as Flu, Pneumonia and Covid.
  2. Take everyday preventive measures to help reduce the spread of illnesses:
    1. Avoid close contact with sick people
    2. If you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible
    3. Do not go to work or school if you are sick
    4. Cover coughs and sneezes
    5. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
    6. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
    7. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects

COVID-19 Boosters Temporarily Out-of-Stock

PCHD Web Admin

Per the CDC guidance released on 8/31/22 PCHD currently does not have the appropriate COVID 19 vaccines on hand to provide booster shots to anyone 12 years and older at this time.  We are working on getting the bivalent COVID-19 vaccines authorized for booster shots and we will announce when these become available.

We will notify when we are re-stocked! We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.

 

 

Stay on track with your child’s vaccinations

PCHD Web Admin

As a parent, you want to keep your children safe. Routine childhood vaccinations are an important way to ensure that your child and community remain healthy and protected against serious diseases, like measles and whooping cough.

Pike County Health Department encourages parents to make sure children are up to date on routinely recommended vaccines. Well-child visits and check-ups are essential for routine vaccination, even during the pandemic.

You can also review the 2022 easy-to-read immunization schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  If you’re pregnant, now is a great time to find a doctor for your baby and schedule a visit to discuss any questions you have about vaccines.

For more information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent, visit these resources from the CDC:

If you have questions about vaccines, talk to your child’s healthcare provider. If you are in need of your child’s shot records we can get copies for you at no charge that will show all of their immunizations that we or your physician has input into the State of Missouri’s Show-Me-Vax system.

We offer many immunizations at little to no cost to you at our Walk-In Clinic; Monday through Friday from 8am-12pm & from 1pm-4pm. Additionally, we offer extended hours prior to the start of the school year to make it easier for you to get your children the immunizations they need for school.

COVID-19 Community Impact Survey! / Encuesta del Impacto de COVID 19 a la Comunidad

PCHD Web Admin

Pike County Health Dept. is seeking the input from members of our community to better understand their needs.
Please take a moment for this brief and anonymous survey, you may also take it online here >>>

 

This survey is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $35,569,951 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are thos e of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

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El Departamento de Salud del Condado de Pike busca las opiniones de la comunidad. Queremos aprender mejor las necesidades de la comunidad para mejorar el bienestar de los vecinos. Le pedimos favor de completar esta encuesta. No necesitamos su nombre; mantenemos el anónimo. También Ud. puede completar la encuesta por internet en el sitio web: www.pikecountyhealth.org.

¡Gracias!

El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos se apoyan esta encuesta como un parte du un premio financiero de $35,569,951. Cien porcentajes financiados por el CDC/HHS. La encuesta es do los autores y no se representan ni las opiniones ni es una aprobación del CDC/HHS ni el gobierno de los

EE UU.

CDC Strengthens Recommendations and Expands Eligibility for COVID-19 Booster Shots

PCHD Web Admin

CDC has expanded eligibility of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses to everyone 5 years of age and older, recommending that children ages 5 through 11 years should receive a booster shot 5 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series.

Vaccination with a primary series among this age group has lagged behind other age groups leaving them vulnerable to serious illness.

CDC has also strengthened its recommendation that those 12 and older who are immunocompromised and those 50 and older should receive a second booster dose at least 4 months after their first.

While older Americans have the highest coverage of any age group of first booster doses, most older Americans received their last dose many months ago, leaving many who are vulnerable without the protection they may need to prevent severe disease, hospitalization, and death.

Learn More >>>

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