Madison, Wis. – As the holiday season draws near, UW Health is calling on residents of Madison and surrounding areas to get vaccinated against influenza and other respiratory illnesses. Dr. Jim Conway, medical director of the UW Health Immunization Program, warned that respiratory viruses are unpredictable and can affect anyone, even healthy children and adults.
Why vaccination matters now
“Vaccination remains one of the safest and most effective tools we have to protect ourselves and those around us,” Dr. Conway said. “While older adults, infants and people with underlying health conditions are at greater risk for severe disease, we also see healthy children and adults become seriously ill every year.”
The health system stresses that getting a flu shot before the holiday travel rush can reduce the risk of severe illness and help limit the spread of disease within families, schools, workplaces, and churches.
Convenient locations for Madison families
UW Health patients can receive vaccinations at the John Wall Drive Thru Clinic, located at 3819 John Wall Drive in Madison. The drive‑through format allows for quick, contact‑minimal service, making it easier for busy parents and seniors to protect themselves without long wait times.
Additional steps to stay healthy
In addition to vaccination, UW Health recommends basic preventive measures: practicing good hand hygiene, getting adequate sleep, and staying home when feeling ill. These habits, combined with immunization, form a strong defense against the seasonal surge of flu and other respiratory viruses that typically affect Wisconsin and northern Illinois each winter.
Community members are encouraged to review their vaccination records and discuss any concerns with their primary care provider. UW Health offers resources and counseling to help individuals understand which vaccines are appropriate for their age and health status.
Looking ahead
With holiday gatherings expected to bring families together across the state, health officials hope that widespread vaccination will keep the community healthier and reduce the burden on hospitals and clinics during the busiest time of the year.
For more information on vaccination locations, schedules, and eligibility, visit the UW Health website or call the patient services line.
Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.
