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Now is the time to get updated COVID-19 bivalent booster, flu vaccine

Did you know it's safe for you to get your COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time?

That includes the updated COVID-19 bivalent booster vaccine. Combining vaccines is not unusual, and it's convenient, especially as we head into flu season.

The updated booster vaccines target Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 and offer better protection against variants that are more transmissible and immune-evading, while also protecting against the original virus.

Updated bivalent booster vaccines are available at the Galveston County Health District immunization clinic, 9850-B Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Suite B-104 in Texas City. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. with extended hours until 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The clinic opens at 10 a.m. the second Tuesday of the month. No appointments are required. Walk-ins welcome.

The Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent booster vaccine is recommended for anyone ages 12 years and older, while the Moderna bivalent booster vaccine is for anyone ages 18 and older. The booster dose should be given at least two months after completion of the primary vaccine series or most recent booster dose.

Now is also the time to get your flu vaccine. Flu outbreaks can start as early as October, and it's important to get the flu vaccine before the virus begins spreading in the community. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body.

Children who need two doses of vaccine to protect against the flu should start the process soon since the two doses must be given at least four weeks apart. People 6 months and older should be vaccinated against the flu. Vaccination is especially important in high-risk groups including those ages 65 and older, pregnant women, young children and those with chronic health conditions who are at higher risk for complications or even death if they get the flu.

Mark your calendars: Marketplace Open Enrollment starts Nov. 1

Open Enrollment for 2023 Health Insurance Marketplace coverage kicks off Nov. 1. If you don't have health insurance through your job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or another source that provides qualifying health coverage, Health Insurance Marketplace can help you get coverage.

All offered plans cover essential health benefits, pre-existing conditions and preventive services including maternity care, mammograms and other preventive care services. You cannot be denied health coverage for having pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer.

The certified application counselors at Coastal Health & Wellness stand ready to assist Galveston County residents apply for coverage in the 2023 Marketplace. Give us a call at 409.938.2204 for assistance.

Learn more about Open Enrollment for 2023 Marketplace.

ARC adopts out nearly 100 animals at Mega Adoption Event

Thanks to our Galveston County Animal Resource Center staff and everyone who volunteered at the Mega Adoption Event earlier this month in Houston. It was a huge success and ARC adopted out 98 cats and dogs! Special thanks to Best Friends Animal Society, Rescued Pets Movement, Brandywine Valley SPCA and Petco Love.

ARC to host low-cost vaccine clinics Oct. 6, 7, 20

The Galveston County Animal Resource Center will host three low-cost pet vaccination clinics on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2-4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 7, noon-3 p.m. and  Thursday, Oct. 20, 2-4 p.m.

Clinics are open to residents of any city and includes pet microchipping and county registration. Low-cost vaccinations, flea control and heartworm testing and treatment services are also available. Both clinics take place at the ARC, 3412 25th Avenue North (Loop 197 North) in Texas City.

For more information, call 409.948.2485.

GCHD joins Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce

Now is time to prepare for disasters, emergencies

Galveston County is no stranger to disasters. While the type may range from hurricane to tropical storm, floods or fires, one thing remains the same - when faced with a disaster, preparing ahead of time is critical to protect you and your family.

September marks National Preparedness Month, and with it being peak hurricane season, it's more important than ever to be prepared.

Learn how to make a plan, build a kit and talk to your children about emergencies and preparedness at Ready.gov.

Being a woman, aging risk factors for developing breast cancer

On average, every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States. Each year in the United States, about 264,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and about 2,400 in men. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we're encouraging women and men to practice early detection and treatment. Breast cancer is sometimes found after symptoms appear, but many women have no symptoms. That's why regular breast cancer screenings are incredibly important. There is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, but there are things you can do that might lower your risk. Learn more about breast cancer, risk factors and how to lower your risk.

HEAL Cooking Corner: Southwest Breakfast Quiche

This southwest breakfast quiche is crust-less and quick to make, but packs a protein and flavor punch with added egg whites, whipped cottage cheese, cheese and canned chili peppers. If you don't have cottage cheese, you could sub in plain Greek yogurt, ricotta or even silken tofu.

Mental Illness Awareness Week theme: 'What I Wish I Had Known'

Millions of Americans live with a mental health condition. Mental illness affects us all - either directly or indirectly - through family, friends or coworkers.

Oct. 2-8 is Mental Illness Awareness Week, a time to raise awareness of mental illness, fight discrimination and provide support to one another.

Mental illness conditions can include anxiety disorders, major depressive episodes, posttraumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and schizophrenia.

This year's theme is "What I Wish I Had Known", with focus on the power of lived experience.

Learn more about Mental Illness Awareness Week.

Diabetes 101: Join us for type 2 discussion

Galveston County Health District is excited to bring back its type 2 diabetes community education class with the next class set for Oct. 17.

Join us and hear from our public health nurses as they talk about diabetes, including tips for managing and living with diabetes, why monitoring your blood glucose levels is important, laboratory monitoring and feelings you may have after a recent diabetes diagnosis.

Classes are held 5-6 p.m. at the health district, 9850-B Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, WIC classroom, in Texas City. Future classes are scheduled for Nov. 14 and Dec. 12. No registration is required.