As the seasons begin to shift and everyone starts to enjoy the joys of the fall season, Eskenazi Health encourages everyone to also prepare for the illnesses that come with the cool breeze, tailgates and changing leaves, by making sure they are up to date on their annual vaccines, including ones for COVID-19.
Since early July, the United States has experienced an increase of COVID-19 cases and other seasonal illnesses. One illness that will soon be impacting many will be influenza or what most commonly refer to as the flu. The flu can cause mild to severe illness symptoms. Although most may have mild symptoms and recover in less than two weeks, some develop severe complications such as pneumonia, organ inflammation and much more that can be triggered by the flu.
According to the Indiana COVID-19 Dashboard, the state has experienced a rise in COVID-19 cases. While most of everyday life has returned to normal, as members of Indianapolis communities we have a responsibility to not only protect ourselves but others as well, to prevent these illnesses from returning. The Indiana Department of Health has recorded over 3.8 million Hoosiers have received and completed the primary vaccination series with approximately 992,000 Hoosiers being up to date with their vaccinations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state the following are categorized as high-risk groups; older adults, the immunocompromised and those with medical conditions including pregnancy and asthma. COVID-19 variants have the potential to affect anyone causing symptoms ranging from mild to severe, understanding the risk of this illness helps one make informed decisions about one’s health and protect those in their community.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a reformulated COVID-19 vaccine providing an increased immune protection to help combat the uptick in cases this past summer and the upcoming season. It is essential for everyone to understand the risk of COVID-19.
Throughout the past three years, since the start of the worldwide pandemic many myths and misinformation has spread throughout media channels causing doubts and hesitation behind receiving vaccinations. Nearly all the ingredients of the vaccine are found in many foods such as fats, sugar and salts. Vaccinations help develop and build immunity to the virus causing COVID-19, which then helps our bodies to recognize and protect us from the virus. This allows our bodies to safely build immunity to the sickness and provides a more predictable immune response when one gets sick.
Indiana Department of Health urges Hoosiers to take precautions against the latest uptick in COVID-19 cases and other seasonal illnesses by limiting exposure, considering wearing masks, especially for the immunocompromised, washing hands frequently, staying at home if you’re sick, and receiving the flu and COVID-19 vaccine.
Eskenazi Health provides COVID-19 vaccines and boosters for people 5 years or older at all Eskenazi Health pharmacy locations. Children as young as 6 months and anyone older can be vaccinated or boosted at all Eskenazi Health Center primary care locations.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available at all Eskenazi Health pharmacy locations. For more information on these vaccines, please call 317.880.7666 or visit eskenazihealth.edu/health-services/primary-care/covid-vaccine.
Broderick Rhyant, M.D. chief physician executive with Eskenazi Health Center Forest Manor
