ALBUQUERQUE, N. M. — Only 5% of eligible people in New Mexico for six months or more have received the newest COVID-19 vaccine, a Department of Health spokesperson told KOB 4 on Thursday.
Fewer New Mexicans are being vaccinated across the country. About 16% of adults and only 7% of young people in the United States receive the recent maximum booster dose, the CDC reported earlier this month.
“I think the fact that only 5% of other people are getting the vaccine is a little scary for us,” said Madison Schaeffer, an epidemiologist with the Department of Health.
The DOH expects that number to increase particularly. . . and soon.
“These vaccines are very safe and very effective,” Schaeffer said. “It’s vital that other people understand this. We hope that other people start thinking of this as the flu vaccine, which they deserve to get every fall. ” .
Immunity wanes if a user hasn’t received a vaccine for a while and is at increased risk for severe or even life-threatening symptoms.
“Some of those vaccines could help save long COVID, which is something other people are concerned about,” Schaeffer said. “Even if you’re a young, healthy person, you may be interacting with other people who may or may not get the vaccine. “vaccinated. “
Multiple studies and surveys show about 4 in 10 U.S. adults probably won’t or definitely won’t get the shot, and a similar number do not plan on having their kids get it.
For some, they don’t need to revel in the symptoms that the vaccine itself can cause.
“It’s much better to spend an afternoon without being very hot because of the new booster, than to spend a week, 10 days, if you have a severe case of COVID you’re going to have to miss several of them. ” Schaeffer said.
Schaeffer points out that the new Novavax shot could be a good option for people who don’t want a vaccine that uses mRNA.
Many people in the studies said they haven’t had enough information about COVID vaccines, and public health experts believe that falls on local governments and health officials.
The Ministry of Health advertises the vaccines in classic media outlets, such as KOB 4, and on social media, and the ministry has sent text messages to other people to let them know that vaccines are available.
The DOH could spread the message even more if it had more funding. States like New Mexico aren’t getting as much money as they were during the height of the pandemic.
The Department of Health recommends people contact a trusted health care provider, such as a doctor, pediatrician, or frontline pharmacist, to learn more about vaccines.
And there’s a DOH hotline where you can answer questions and schedule vaccine appointments. It’s 1-833-796-8773.
A spokesperson for Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a statement:
“Vaccination continues to be a crucial tool in fighting COVID-19. We strongly encourage all eligible individuals to schedule their appointments at VaccineNM.org, especially as we gather with our families this holiday season.
The Ministry of Health is actively working to increase vaccination rates through awareness-raising and public education programs.
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