San Juan Basin Public Health announced this week that it has omicron booster shots available for children ages 6 months to 5 years just as holiday gatherings are anticipated to cause a spike in respiratory illnesses nationwide.

The Food and Drug Administration approved use of the boosters for younger children on Dec. 8. Studies have found that the updated booster shots continue to decrease the risk of hospitalization and severe illness from COVID-19.

“Receiving an omicron booster is an effective way to protect yourself, your families and our communities,” said SJBPH spokeswoman Megan Graham in a news release. “Vaccines are the safest, most effective way to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death caused by COVID-19 and its variants.”

As families and friends prepare to gather for the upcoming holidays, the public health department is warning that such gatherings could provide a breeding ground for all three respiratory viruses in circulation: respiratory syncytial virus, the flu and COVID-19.

In both the state of Colorado and La Plata County, COVID-19 numbers have declined in recent weeks. The seven-day average in the county reported on Wednesday was just 6.14 cases, down from an a high of 15.14 in mid-October.

RSV cases are not considered reportable, but Graham said that the state is seeing an overall decline in cases as well.

However, the number of positive flu cases have jumped significantly. La Plata and Archuleta counties reported two to three cases per week in October, while 131 positive cases were reported the week of Dec. 17, up from 61 cases the week before. There have been 14 flu-related hospitalizations across the two counties this season, six of which took place last week.

Guardians who want to vaccinate children who fall into the 6 month to 5 year age range with an omicron booster can do so at a variety of locations in the county, including SJBPH’s offices in Durango. The omicron booster is recommended after a child has received two doses of the original vaccine, and the booster and original vaccine brands should match.

Children 6 months to 5 years who have completed the two-dose Moderna primary vaccine series may receive a single Moderna omicron dose at least two months after their primary series completion.

Children 6 months through 4 years who have either not started or completed the three-dose Pfizer primary vaccine series may receive a single Pfizer omicron dose as the third dose in the Pfizer primary series. If a child has already received the three-dose Pfizer primary vaccine series, it is not recommended that they receive the omicron vaccine at this time. More data on this demographic are expected next month.

The advice from the public health department is no nothing new.

“Get vaccinated … Stay home when you’re sick – that’s the No. 1 thing you can do if you’ve got a fever, (if you’re) sneezing and coughing, don't share that with anyone,” Graham said. “If you can, don’t visit and interact with people who might be immunocompromised … And wash your hands.”

rschafir@durangoherald.com