FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Maura Fitzgerald
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 maura.fitzgerald@ct.gov
Respiratory Illness on the Rise: Connecticut Urges Vaccination as New York Sees an Increase in Flu, RSV
HARTFORD, Conn—The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging Connecticut residents to get their seasonal vaccines now to protect themselves and their families, especially young children, elderly relatives, pregnant women, and anyone with health problems. DPH’s plea comes as Flu and RSV cases are rising in New York. Connecticut is expected to see similar increases in the coming weeks, just in time for holiday gatherings.
"New York's increased flu and RSV activity is an early warning for Connecticut," said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. "As we approach the holidays, get your seasonal shots if you haven't already. It's not too late to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness."
Vaccines work by helping your body fight off these viruses. When more people get vaccinated, diseases spread less and fewer people get seriously sick or need to go to the hospital.

Who should get vaccinated:
Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot each year
Everyone 6 months and older should get the updated COVID-19 vaccine
Adults 60 and older and pregnant women can get an RSV vaccine (Abrysvo). Babies younger than 8 months can get a protective medicine called Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) during RSV season
You can get your vaccines from your doctor, a pharmacy, or by visiting vaccinefinder.org to find a location near you.
COVID-19 is currently the most common respiratory virus in Connecticut, though cases have leveled off after a spike earlier this fall. Flu and RSV cases are low but rising. This trend is expected to continue through the next several weeks.

Besides vaccines, you can prevent the spread of respiratory viruses by:
Staying home when sick
Washing your hands often
Cleaning surfaces regularly
Wearing a mask if you have respiratory symptoms