Medical experts urge Las Crucens to get vaccinated for both Covid-19 and flu
LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - For those not yet vaccinated against the coronavirus, Las Cruces medical experts recommend getting both the Covid-19 and flu shots as soon as possible.
“It cannot be overemphasized," said Dr. Obi Okoli, an infectious disease specialist. "It’s the best thing we can do for both diseases. It’s very essential everybody be vaccinated.”
Okoli told ABC-7 that those who are at highest risk for severe Covid-19 symptoms are also at increased danger of getting sick from the flu. He recommended getting both vaccines at once.
“The vaccine is like an insurance policy," Okoli said. "You have to get it before the car crash.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, 70.5% of New Mexicans were fully vaccinated. In Doña Ana County, 74.5% of residents were fully vaccinated.
"We do know and have seen that patients can be co-infected with the Covid-19 and the flu virus," said Twyla Anderson, the director of infection control and prevention at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces.
The FDA has not yet granted emergency use authorization to the Pfizer vaccine for kids between the ages of 5 to 11, but that could come this semester. In the meantime, Las Cruces Public Schools staffers are recommending all students get their flu shots.
"What happens inside the classroom is our area of expertise," said Kelly Jameson, a spokeswoman for the district. "But we rely on our medical partners to tell us what the best advice is for parents (and students) to make them feel comfortable."
