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The Tuscarawas County Health Department is encouraging residents to get vaccinated as cold and flu season begins to pick up.

Health officials say more than 100 people received flu or COVID-19 vaccines during the department’s annual drive-thru vaccination event in October. For those who missed it, appointments are still available for flu and COVID-19 shots by calling the health department.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports respiratory illness levels remain low nationwide and across Ohio, health experts say flu and RSV test positivity rates are rising. 

Locally, the Ohio Department of Health reports one Tuscarawas County resident was hospitalized with the flu and three others were hospitalized with COVID-19 during the week of October 25th through October 31st. Residents with questions about recommended vaccines are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider.

Health officials also encourage individuals to wash hands often, wipe down frequently used surfaces with disinfectant, use hand sanitizer, cough or sneeze into the elbow, and if sick stay home.

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