Laredo Public Health Department encourages flu season preparation

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  Health and Fitness on Tue, Oct 28th, 2025 by KGNS-TV

Laredo Public Health Department Urges Residents to Prepare for Flu Season

Laredo, Texas – October 27, 2025
As the chill of fall settles over the Rio Grande Valley, the Laredo Public Health Department (LPHD) has released a new campaign urging community members to get ready for the upcoming influenza season. In a press release posted on the department’s website, officials highlighted the importance of early vaccination, proper hygiene practices, and community education to curb the spread of the flu.

The Flu Season Begins Early

According to the LPHD, the flu season in the United States typically begins in September and peaks between December and February. Health experts caution that the first weeks of the season are critical, as the virus spreads quickly in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. “The sooner we get people vaccinated, the less likely the virus will gain a foothold in our community,” said Dr. Elena García, Director of Immunization Services at LPHD.

The department’s release cites data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that shows higher rates of flu-related hospitalizations among adults over 65, children under 5, and individuals with chronic health conditions. To provide residents with a clearer picture, the LPHD linked directly to the CDC’s flu page, which offers a comprehensive overview of symptoms, prevention measures, and vaccine recommendations. The CDC page also emphasizes that the influenza vaccine is safe and effective for people of all ages.

Vaccination Sites Across Laredo

The LPHD has partnered with several local health facilities to make flu shots readily available. The press release lists the following sites:

The release also noted that the LPHD’s mobile immunization unit will visit schools, senior centers, and community centers throughout November. For those with limited mobility or transportation challenges, the department offers a free ride‑share partnership with the local transit authority.

A PDF guide, linked in the press release, details how to schedule appointments and what documentation is required for vaccination. The guide, titled “Flu Prevention in Laredo: A Family Guide,” was developed by LPHD in collaboration with the Laredo Medical Association and includes illustrations for children.

What the Flu Vaccine Protects Against

The LPHD’s page on its website provides a side-by-side comparison of the 2025–2026 influenza strains included in the seasonal vaccine. According to the CDC’s “Flu Vaccine Composition” page (linked from the LPHD site), the 2025–2026 vaccine contains antigens for the following viruses:

• A/H1N1pdm09 (pH1N1)
• A/H3N2
• B/Victoria lineage
• B/Yamagata lineage

The vaccine’s efficacy can vary from year to year depending on the match between the vaccine strains and circulating strains. LPHD experts emphasize that even if the vaccine’s effectiveness is not perfect, it still provides significant protection against severe illness and hospitalization.

Community Education Initiatives

In addition to vaccination efforts, the LPHD is conducting a series of educational workshops aimed at teaching residents how to prevent flu spread. Topics include:

• Hand hygiene techniques (handwashing vs. alcohol‑based sanitizers)
• Mask‑wearing guidelines for high‑risk settings
• Recognizing early flu symptoms and when to seek medical care
• Managing influenza in households with young children or vulnerable adults

The department is also collaborating with local schools to distribute educational packets to parents and students. An online webinar series titled “Flu 101: Protecting Your Family” is scheduled for the first week of November. The webinar, hosted by LPHD’s Public Health Educator, Marta Torres, will cover real‑world case studies from previous flu seasons in the region.

How Residents Can Stay Informed

The LPHD encourages residents to follow its social media channels for real‑time updates on vaccine availability, appointment scheduling, and flu‑related news. The department’s official Facebook page has been active for the past two months, providing daily tips on staying healthy. For those who prefer email alerts, the LPHD offers a subscription service that sends weekly bulletins on local health alerts and seasonal updates.

In addition, the Laredo News Network’s KGNS-TV has partnered with LPHD to produce a weekly news segment featuring the department’s public health director and a local epidemiologist. The first episode of this series, which aired on October 24, 2025, included an interview with Dr. García discussing the importance of early vaccination and addressing common misconceptions about the flu vaccine.

Bottom Line

With the flu season on the horizon, the Laredo Public Health Department is taking a multi‑pronged approach to protect its residents. From expanding vaccine access and partnering with local pharmacies to launching educational workshops and maintaining open lines of communication, LPHD aims to reduce influenza cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in the community. Residents are urged to act promptly: schedule a flu shot, practice good hygiene, and keep themselves and loved ones informed.