ATHENS COUNTY, Ohio — With respiratory virus season on the horizon, fall vaccines have become available throughout Athens County.
Local rates of COVID-19, flu, and RSV — the three main respiratory viruses prevalent in fall and winter — are currently low, according to wastewater monitoring data from the Athens Wastewater Treatment Plant. Wastewater monitoring involves sampling and testing wastewater for pieces of virus or bacteria that enter the sewage system when people with certain infections use the restroom, shower, wash hands or launder clothing.
COVID levels reached their highest this year in early September but have plummeted since. Neither the flu nor RSV have yet been identified in Athens wastewater this fall.
Still, Athens City-County Health Department Director of Nursing Crystal Jones told the Independent in an email, “This is the time of year we expect to see an increase in respiratory illnesses, including the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. To reduce the severity of illness, the health department encourages everyone to stay up to date with recommended immunizations.”
The vaccines generally take about two weeks to become fully effective.
Last fall and winter, COVID levels were elevated in Athens throughout October 2024 and November 2024, lower in December 2024, and then peaked in January of this year. Waves of the virus continued through March and fell to low levels in April.
Meanwhile, influenza was first detected in last season’s wastewater in late October 2024. Levels ticked up in mid-January and peaked about two weeks later, before tapering off in March.
RSV peaked in mid-January of this year.
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older. Meanwhile, the “RSV vaccine is recommended for newborns, some young children, and all adults aged 75 years and older, and adults aged 60-74 years at increased risk for RSV,” Jones said in an email.
The COVID shot, updated to address the most recent variants, is available for anyone six months and older, including healthy children, young adults and pregnant women. Months of confusion about federal recommendations on this year’s COVID vaccine initially led the Athens health department to delay offering the shot, Jones said.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration initially restricted the shot to adults 65 and older, and those with qualifying conditions. That August decision drew rebuke from medical professionals due to abundant research demonstrating that COVID vaccines are safe and effective.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday accepted new guidelines that made clear everyone six months and older eligible for the COVID shot, but advises individuals to consult with medical professionals about the risks and benefits of the shot before receiving it. Medical professionals have expressed concern that the CDC’s more ambiguous recommendation this year could ultimately make it more difficult for many people to get vaccinated.
In Athens County, varied providers currently offer the COVID vaccine to different age groups and with different eligibility requirements.
In addition to getting vaccinated, Jones encouraged residents to take other steps to prevent disease, including washing hands regularly, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and staying home when sick to avoid contact with others.
Where to get vaccines in Athens County
Vaccines are available at locations throughout the county, including at pharmacies, through healthcare providers and urgent cares. Most insurance plans ensure that the vaccines are available for free, according to information from Kroger’s pharmacy website.
Athens City-County Health Department
The flu, RSV and COVID shots are available at the health department on West Union Street, Jones said. The COVID shot is currently only available to individuals 65 and older.
Pharmacies
Vaccine appointments for COVID, RSV and the flu can be scheduled online for Kroger locations in Athens, Nelsonville and Trimble, and CVS locations on Court Street and East State Street in Athens.
Kroger only offers vaccines to individuals 12 months and older. Kroger’s scheduling tool requires that patients click “Yes” when asked whether they are eligible for the COVID vaccine, in order to schedule an appointment for that vaccine.
Shrivers Pharmacy locations, including those in Athens and Nelsonville, are also administering all three vaccines, with the COVID vaccine available to individuals 12 and older who say they have an underlying condition, and anyone 65 and older.
The Drugstore on East State is accepting walk-ins for vaccines with no appointment necessary, a pharmacist told the Independent. The COVID shot is available at the drugstore for anyone ages five and older, the pharmacist said.
The flu vaccine is available at Holzer Family Pharmacy on East State Street in Athens with no appointment necessary.
Healthcare providers and urgent care locations
Vaccines are also available at urgent care locations and through primary healthcare doctors, though individuals should contact their healthcare provider for information on available vaccinations.
