Montgomery County Commissioners’ Chairman Neil Makhija receives a COVID-19 and flu vaccine during a Sept. 25, 2025 meeting in Norristown. (Photo courtesy Montgomery County PA)
Montgomery County Commissioners’ Chairman Neil Makhija and Vice Chairwoman Jamila Winder rolled up their sleeves and got their flu and COVID-19 shots, Thursday, Sept. 25, at a commissioners’ meeting to emphasize preparation for the respiratory virus season ahead.
“My goal is simple: to help our community understand why fall vaccinations matter, what the current evidence shows and how other residents can access these important protections,” said Dr. Alvin Wang, chief medical officer and regional EMS medical director for the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety.
Wang addressed the county commissioners in an effort to assure area residents of vaccine efficacy and safety. Relaying information related to COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV, Wang suggested people also consult with their own physicians.
“Vaccinations are not the only tool, but these remain the most effective way to blunt these seasonal surges,” he said.
Wang stressed the importance of gaining “community or herd protection,” which he said is “critical for managing hospital capacity” as well as “reduc[ing] deaths and serious illness.” The Pennsylvania Department of Health recorded 1,049 flu deaths and 1,266 COVID-19 deaths during the 2024-25 respiratory season.
“Vaccines provide a community-wide shield, and when vaccination rates are high, transmission decreases,” Wang said. “These protect vulnerable populations, such as newborns, older adults and those with weakened immune systems who may not respond fully to vaccinations themselves.”
In his presentation, Wang emphasized there are “safe, evidence-based vaccines available,” as he cited guidelines and recommendations by the state’s health department, as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Practice and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
“Ideally, we want to get an influenza vaccine before the end of October because that’s when peak flu season will start,” Wang said, noting recommendations for flu shots for people six months and older.
With respect to the COVID-19 vaccine, Wang cited the American Academy of Family Practice guidelines, which “recommend that COVID-19 vaccines be given to all individuals 18 years and older, and especially important, if you’re over 65 are at severe risk for COVID-19 or have never received a COVID-19 vaccine before.”
In the meantime, health experts encouraged following a myriad of guidelines to help control the spread of illness this year, namely the tried and true methods of practicing good hygiene, seeking treatment and staying away from others if sick.
In addition, Gov. Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Insurance Department confirmed that private insurance within the state will cover vaccines under the 2024 recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices through the end of 2026.
“Vaccines save lives, protect families, and prevent dangerous diseases from spreading throughout our communities,” Shapiro said in a statement. “While the federal government creates confusion and pushes junk science, here in Pennsylvania, we are providing clear, evidence-based guidance to ensure Pennsylvanians and their doctors have trusted sources of information.”
Makhija praised the state level action taken to increase access to vaccines.
“That would be negative to the whole community if people didn’t have access to vaccines,” Makhija said. “There’s been a lot of confusion and delay at the federal level, but we’re following very clear guidelines and recommendations from those who know the science and the data and public health best.”
Getting vaccinated was personal for Winder as she reflected on the loss of her mother 1.5 years ago, who was immunocompromised.
“As her caregiver, it would have been irresponsible of me to not be vaccinated and potentially bring COVID into the home, and COVID was eventually what ended up taking her life,” Winder said. “So I’m going to do my part to get vaccinated, and ensure my family is vaccinated so that we can ensure that those that are vulnerable, friends and neighbors, we’re not putting them at risk.”
