As winter approaches, public health and healthcare partners are preparing for a rise in respiratory illnesses—including influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These diseases continue to present recurring challenges to hospital systems, local health departments, and emergency preparedness programs nationwide.
At Hagerty Consulting, we recognize that an effective seasonal preparedness strategy goes beyond protecting individual health—it also supports system-wide resilience across the healthcare continuum. Through clear communication, equitable access to prevention tools, and coordinated planning between hospitals, public health agencies, and community partners, we can reduce strain on healthcare systems and protect our most vulnerable populations.
Vaccination and Prevention: The Cornerstone of Preparedness
According to numerous state health departments, health alliances, scientific entities, and health professional associations, staying up to date on vaccinations remains the single most effective way to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death from major respiratory viruses.
- Influenza: Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone six months and older, according to the American College of Physicians (ACP).
- COVID-19: With new variants continuing to emerge, the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine is strongly recommended, particularly for adults 65 and older and people with chronic conditions. Maintaining infection control practices, proper ventilation, and flexible workplace policies are essential to safe operations.
- RSV: The latest RSV vaccines and antibody therapies now protect infants, pregnant people, and older adults. The West Coast Health Alliance recommends vaccination for adults 75 and older and for those aged 50–74 at higher risk of severe disease before peak winter activity.
In addition to vaccination, basic hygiene practices—like frequent handwashing, covering coughs, and cleaning high-touch surfaces—remain vital for reducing transmission. Improving indoor air quality through ventilation and filtration is an additional layer of defense that benefits both clinical and non-clinical settings. Individuals should consult healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate vaccination and prevention measures.
Supporting Healthcare Workers and Systems
Healthcare personnel remain central to respiratory-season readiness, and state and professional guidance consistently emphasizes the importance of protecting the workforce and ensuring operational continuity. State health agencies—including the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Virginia Department of Health (VDH), and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)—advise healthcare organizations to:
- Ensure staff vaccination in accordance with current state-level recommendations and facility policies.
- Reinforce core infection-prevention practices, including respiratory hygiene, environmental cleaning, and ventilation measures that reduce transmission risk.
- Uphold clear policies for staff illness, exposure, and return to work, ensuring that symptomatic personnel remain out of the facility until they meet established criteria for safe return.
- Maintain transparent communication with patients, staff, and visitors to promote trust, reinforce protective behaviors, and support a safe care environment.
Professional associations echo these recommendations. The American Hospital Association (AHA) highlights vaccination campaigns, respiratory-hygiene reinforcement, and strong staff communication as core elements of healthcare system preparedness. Similarly, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) emphasizes environmental cleaning, proper protective measures, and continued staff training throughout respiratory-virus season.
Equally important is maintaining a clear picture of evolving community-level trends. State surveillance systems—such as those published by CDPH, NYSDOH, and MDH—provide timely updates on respiratory-illness activity. Healthcare organizations routinely use these data to guide staffing plans, surge readiness, and facility-level communication strategies as conditions evolve.
Partnering for Readiness
Hagerty Consulting helps public health and healthcare organizations prepare for seasonal and emerging health threats. Our team assist in:
- Developing and exercising all-hazards preparedness and response plans.
- Aligning policies and procedures with local and state health guidance.
- Designing effective communication, vaccination, and surge-response strategies.
With deep experience in healthcare preparedness, emergency management, and public health planning, we ensure organizations can maintain operational readiness, protect their workforce, and deliver essential care when it matters most.