SANTA FE — The 2024-2025 influenza (flu) season has begun.
The New Mexico Department of Health’s Scientific Laboratory Division confirms the first patients testing positive for seasonal flu, with NMHealth also aware of elevated numbers of flu cases in the Northwest part of the state.
“Now is a good time to get your flu vaccination before we start to see flu activity statewide,” MHealth Secretary Patrick Allen said. “Getting you and your family vaccinated every year helps reduce the chances of getting sick, missing work or school, or developing serious illness.”
Flu vaccines are updated annually to offer the best protection against the virus. NMHealth recommends flu vaccinations for everyone six months of age and older each year, with vaccinations available now through May. It is important for people in the following high-risk groups:
- Children younger than five years old, especially children younger than two years old.
- Pregnant individuals up to two weeks post-partum.
- People aged 50 and older.
- People of any age with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, lung or heart disease.
- People who are immunocompromised.
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
- People who live with or care for anyone at high risk for complications from flu, including healthcare personnel and caregivers of babies younger than six months.
