About this series:
Amid all the confusion and misinformation, The Paper. and New Mexico Political Report checked the facts to help readers understand what this year’s flu and COVID season looks like and when, where and how to get vaccinated, if they choose.
,
Amid all the confusion and misinformation, The Paper. and New Mexico Political Report checked the facts to help readers understand what this year’s flu and COVID season looks like and when, where and how to get vaccinated, if they choose.
Although the CDC stopped reporting national flu and COVID data during the government shutdown, New Mexico’s Department of Health (DOH) still keeps tabs.
New Mexico tracks “Influenza-like Illness” (ILI) for persons with a fever (>100°F)
and cough and/or sore throat (regardless of any other diagnostic test result). So far in this flu season, New Mexico’s hospitals are reporting minimal diagnoses of COVID-19, flu or respiratory syncytical virus (RSV).
As of October 11 (the most recent period reported), less than 1% of emergency visits in Bernalillo County over the past two weeks resulted in one of these respiratory diagnoses, which NM DOH says is “a more complete indicator” of county-wide infection rates. Of course, this data only captures patients who sought care at an emergency medical facility.
This year’s data tracks with 2024 when flu and COVID infection rates began to rise the week of Nov. 11th and hitting seasonal highs the week of Dec. 25th when 7% of emergency visits statewide resulted in a flu diagnosis.
That means you still have time to get this year’s vaccine.
Scroll down to learn more about flu season, getting a vaccine and more on these topics:
- Who should get a COVID vaccine?
- How do I know which vaccines I’ve received in the past?
- Am I considered “high risk”?
- What if I have an adverse reaction to a vaccine?
- What if I get sick with the flu or COVID?
- How do I get a vaccine for free, even if I don’t have insurance?
SERIES: PREPARING FOR COLD, FLU AND COVID SEASON IN NEW MEXICO
What about…
We reviewed public health information from the CDC, State Dept. of Health and healthcare providers to find the latest information for readers. All information is current as of Oct. 28, 2025
Who should get a COVID vaccine?
In October, the federal government’s Centers for Disease Control issued guidelines recommending vaccines for certain at-risk populations and recommending others consult with a medical provider. Following recommendations from national public health organizations, New Mexico issued revised recommendations to pharmacists and health providers ensuring that anyone who wants a vaccine can get one. Some at-risk populations may be proactively suggested to receive a vaccine.
For now, most people are only recommended to receive one dose. Additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine may be offered at the discretion of the healthcare provider to all persons with immune compromise, based on the individual’s clinical circumstances.
What if I have an adverse reaction to a vaccine?
If you are concerned about your medical condition, immediately consult a medical provider or call 911.
Adverse events should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Reporting is encouraged for any clinically significant adverse event, even when a causal association between the vaccine and the event is uncertain. Vaccination errors should also be reported to VAERS. Additional information is available at https://vaers.hhs.gov or by telephone at 1-800-8227967.
Editor’s note: To ensure readers have the most accurate medical information, these recommendations are sourced directly from the CDC and NM Dept. of Health with some editing for brevity. For questions about vaccine recommendations and policy should contact their health provider or call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-796-8773.
How do I know which vaccines I’ve received in the past?
If you grew up in New Mexico, your vaccine records may be on file with the NM DOH. To access your records, visit vaxview.doh.nm.gov.
What about COVID and other respiratory vaccines for pregnant women and young children?
NM DOH says that COVID-19 continues to be a cause of hospitalization and death in the pediatric population, especially under two years of age. COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy provides passive immunity to infants under six months until they are old enough to be vaccinated.
For children, New Mexico follows recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics which recommends vaccines for infants and children 6 through 23 months of age. Children 6 months through 18 years of age who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. This group may require 2 or more doses of age-appropriate 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine depending on previous vaccination status, DOH tells medical providers.
What do I need to know about exemptions from school and daycare vaccine requirements, including for COVID vaccines, for my child?
The New Mexico Immunization Exemption Statute (24-5-3) allows two types of vaccine exemptions from school required vaccines: medical and religious. Personal and/or philosophical exemptions are not allowed in NM, according to NM DOH. Visit nmhealth.org and search “vaccine exemption.”
What if I get sick with the flu or COVID?
There are medications called “antiviral drugs” that can prevent serious complications from flu and COVID, like pneumonia and death. Antiviral drugs fight against the flu in your body and you can only get them if you have a prescription from a healthcare provider. Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics which fight against bacterial infections.
Treatment with an antiviral drug can mean the difference between having milder illness instead of very serious illness that could result in a hospital stay. Studies show that flu antiviral drugs work best when they are started early, within 2 days of getting sick if possible.
Am I considered “high risk”?
New Mexicans with these conditions are considered “high risk” by NMDOH. Medical providers are told to suggest a COVID vaccine for these populations:
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease (including congenital heart disease)
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic lung disease, limited to:Bronchiectasis COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and Interstitial lung disease
- Pulmonary embolism
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Chronic liver disease limited to: Cirrhosis Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, Alcoholic liver disease, Autoimmune hepatitis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Diabetes mellitus, type 1 and 2
- Gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., feeding tube dependent, inflammatory bowel disease)
- Gestational diabetes
- Disabilities, including Down syndrome
- Heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies) Hematologic disease (e.g., Sickle Cell)
- Hepatic disease
- Immunodeficiency disorders (e.g., Human Immunodeficiency Virus [HIV], primary immunodeficiency, receipt of immunosuppressive therapy, receipt of hematopoietic cell transplant or solid organ transplant)
- Mental health conditions limited to: Mood disorders, including depression
- Schizophrenia spectrum disorders
- Metabolic disorders
- Neurologic conditions (e.g., dementia, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, intellectual developmental disorder, epilepsy, compromised mobility/wheelchair dependent)
- Obesity (BMI >= 30 or >= 95th percentile in children)
Physical inactivity - Pregnancy and recent pregnancy
- Rheumatologic, autoimmune disease (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus, juvenile idiopathic arthritis)
- Smoking, current and former
- Solid-organ or blood stem-cell transplantation
- Tuberculosis