Vaccines available for newest COVID strain, flu, RSV

TOPEKA (KSNT) - A new COVID-19 strain is causing a surge in cases throughout Kansas. People can sign up for updated vaccines to get some extra protection ahead of winter.

Dillons and other pharmacies are offering vaccines for the Flu, RSV and the newest strain of COVID-19. Positive COVID tests and hospitalizations are up in Kansas according to the KU Health System.

Cases began surging in July with the newest COVID strain, KP.2. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated in early September.

27 News spoke with a pharmacist who says the sooner you can get it the better.

"It takes about 14 days for your body to build an immunity," said pharmacist Dean Benton. "That gets you ahead of it and helps as you get into the season when you're exposed to it, kids bring it home, that way your body can fight it a little better."

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid are requiring hospitals to once again start reporting their COVID numbers in November, after eliminating it back in May. This can help agencies and the public see a clear picture of current COVID numbers in their community.

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