Two COVID-related deaths have been reported in Jefferson County so far this respiratory season, which began Sept. 28. Both deaths were reported to the Jefferson County Health Department during the week of Dec. 7.
The Health Department reported 80 cases of COVID during the week of Dec. 7 in its report released Monday. Since the respiratory season began, there have been 587 COVID cases reported in the county.
Reported cases of flu have remained low in Jefferson County. A total of 15 cases, 14 type B and one type A, were reported the week of Dec. 7. Since the respiratory season began, there have been 85 reported cases.
During the 2024/2025 respiratory season, 4,117 flu cases and 3,242 COVID cases were reported to the Health Department. The season peaked at 733 flu cases during the week of Feb. 2 and COVID cases peaked the week of Dec. 22 at 233. Fourteen flu-related deaths and 20 COVID-related deaths were reported last year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months and older get an annual influenza (flu) vaccine.
The CDC’s guidance changed this year regarding COVID. CDC recommends a 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine for people ages 6 months and older based on individual-based decision-making. The CDC said it is especially important to get the vaccine if you are 65 and older, are at high risk for severe COVID-19 or have never received a COVID-19 vaccine.
