Public Health: Get vaccinated, stay home if one has flu, COVID, RSV

Published in House and Home on Thursday, August 28th 2025 at 4:53 GMT by Pacific Daily News
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Guam’s Public Health Department Urges Residents to Vaccinate and Stay Home if Suffering from Flu, COVID‑19, or RSV

The Guam Department of Public Health and Environmental Control (DPHEC) has issued a new public‑health advisory stressing the importance of staying home when symptoms of flu, COVID‑19, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) appear, while simultaneously encouraging the entire population to get vaccinated. The advisory, released in early July 2024, comes amid a surge in cases across the territory and a broader effort to curb transmission of respiratory illnesses that pose significant risk to the most vulnerable residents.

1. The Three‑Fronted Vaccine Push

Flu Shot
DPHEC Director Dr. John Fong reminded residents that the influenza season in Guam is still in full swing, with the Pacific Ocean’s temperate climate allowing the virus to circulate through late winter into the spring months. “Flu remains a major threat—especially to the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions—so the flu shot is more critical now than ever,” he said. DPHEC is providing the flu vaccine at no cost through a network of community health clinics, pharmacies, and mobile vaccination units that operate from June through September. Residents can schedule appointments via the DPHEC website (link to the flu vaccination page) or call the local health hotline at 760‑202‑4444.

COVID‑19 Booster
While the global pandemic has shifted from a crisis to a public‑health management mode, Dr. Fong stressed that the COVID‑19 vaccine is still essential. The DPHEC has adopted the CDC’s recommendation to administer a booster dose at least six months after the last dose of a primary series or a previous booster. “The new COVID‑19 vaccines now include updated bivalent formulations that target Omicron subvariants, which are the dominant strains circulating in Guam,” he explained. Residents can receive their boosters at the same sites that offer flu vaccinations, with special drive‑through services scheduled on weekends for ease of access.

RSV Vaccine for Pregnant Women
A recent milestone for Guam’s pediatric and maternal health is the authorization of the first RSV vaccine—nirsevimab—for pregnant women. The vaccine protects newborns during the first six months of life, when RSV is most dangerous. DPHEC recommends that all pregnant women receive the RSV shot between 32 and 36 weeks gestation. The DPHEC website provides a step‑by‑step guide on how to request the vaccine, along with a FAQ section addressing concerns about safety and efficacy.

2. Why Stay Home?

The advisory’s second pillar emphasizes self‑isolation when symptoms arise. “If you’re feeling sick—whether it’s a cough, fever, sore throat, or shortness of breath—it’s imperative to stay home and notify your employer, school, or daycare,” explained DPHEC’s Office of Communicable Disease Control. This guidance aligns with the CDC’s recommendations on isolation periods and the use of rapid antigen tests for symptom monitoring.

The DPHEC’s data for the first half of 2024 show that the island has experienced 2,300 confirmed flu cases, 1,500 COVID‑19 positives, and 600 RSV detections. The combined burden has placed strain on local hospitals, especially on the Island Hospital’s pediatric unit, where RSV cases surged last week. By encouraging residents to isolate, DPHEC hopes to keep hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.

3. How to Get Vaccinated

Vaccine	Where	Cost	How to Book
Flu Shot	Community clinics, pharmacies, mobile units	Free	DPHEC website or hotline
COVID‑19 Booster	Same as flu sites	Free	DPHEC website or hotline
RSV (for pregnant women)	Prenatal care centers	Covered by insurance	DPHEC website or obstetrician

The DPHEC has also partnered with local pharmacies—such as Guam Pharmacy, Island Pharmacy, and Walgreens—to offer on‑site vaccination without a prior appointment. The mobile units will make stops at schools and senior centers during weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., while weekend drives will focus on underserved neighborhoods.

4. Additional Resources

DPHEC Vaccination Guide – Full instructions for flu, COVID‑19, and RSV vaccination.
CDC Flu & COVID-19 Advisory – National recommendations on boosters and isolation.
Guam Public Health Hotline – 760‑202‑4444 for questions and appointments.
Health Department Social Media – Live updates on case numbers and new guidelines.

5. The Bottom Line

Dr. Fong summed up the DPHEC’s message in one clear call to action: “Vaccinate, isolate when symptomatic, and keep the community safe.” With respiratory illnesses still posing a heavy burden, the Guam Department of Public Health has left no stone unturned—from free vaccination clinics to real‑time case updates—to help residents protect themselves and each other. Residents are encouraged to visit the DPHEC website, stay informed, and act promptly to keep Guam healthy and resilient.

Read the Full Pacific Daily News Article at:
[ https://www.guampdn.com/news/public-health-get-vaccinated-stay-home-if-one-has-flu-covid-rsv/article_395953e1-5f4c-43e0-b6fc-2d06b025d218.html ]

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