LINCOLN–(KFOR Oct. 19) The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) Friday announced that the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for fall is now available through several local pharmacies, health care providers and clinics in the community. “We expect to see an increase in respiratory illnesses including COVID-19 as we move through fall and into winter,” said Kerry Kernen, Assistant Health Director. “The virus that causes COVID-19 is always changing and the updated vaccine helps our bodies develop protection against the newest variants that may be circulating in the community.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the updated COVID-19 vaccine for everyone age 6 months and older. This includes those who have previously received COVID-19 vaccine and those who have had COVID-19. Getting the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine is especially important for the following groups: Those age 65 years and older Those at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 – Learn about COVID-19 risk factors. Those living in long-term care facilities People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, or who might become pregnant in the future – Learn about COVID-19 vaccinations for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. COVID-19 vaccination also reduces the chance of suffering the effects of long COVID, which can occur during or following infection and last for an extended period of time, according to the CDC. CDC data shows that people who received a 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine last season saw greater protection against illness and hospitalization. In addition to COVID-19 vaccine, the CDC also recommends flu vaccine for everyone age 6 months and older. Flu vaccine is widely available in the community and can be given at the same time as the updated COVID-19 vaccine. LLCHD provides updated COVID-19 vaccine and flu to adults and children who are uninsured or underinsured and children with Medicaid. The federal government provides the two vaccines at no cost to these groups and works with partners including local health departments. Eligible individuals can receive updated COVID-19 vaccine or flu vaccine at the Health Department by appointment only. Call 402-441-8065 to schedule an appointment. For those who have health insurance, Medicare, or adults with Medicaid, the updated COVID-19 vaccine should be covered by most health plans, but residents must receive vaccine through a pharmacy or health care provider instead of LLCHD. Visit vaccines.gov to check pharmacy locations and availability. COVID-19 tests This fall, every household can order four free at-home COVID-19 tests through the federal government at covidtests.gov. COVID-19 tests are also available in the main lobby of the Health Department during regular business hours and at all Lincoln City Library locations.