Local Fargo health care unite to encourage vaccinations
Sept. 25, 2023
Contact:
Jessica Schindeldecker
Sanford Health Senior Communications Specialist
(701) 200-6080/ Jessica.Schindeldecker@SanfordHealth.org
FARGO, N.D. – As the respiratory season approaches, Sanford Health, Essentia Health and Fargo Cass Public Health are uniting to emphasize the critical importance of vaccinating against respiratory illnesses such as influenza (flu), RSV and COVID-19.
Recent years have presented unprecedented challenges to our community, and we have witnessed the profound impact respiratory illnesses can have on individuals, families and our health care systems. In anticipation of the approaching season, we urge you to prioritize your health and the well-being of those around you by getting vaccinated.
Flu, COVID-19 and RSV can lead to severe complications and, in some cases, hospitalization or even death, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
“Respiratory illnesses pose a significant threat to our community,” said Dr. Steven Briggs, Sanford Health chief medical officer. “It is paramount that we take a proactive approach to protect ourselves and our communities. Prevention and responsible behaviors are our strongest allies in the fight against these diseases.”
Vaccinations are one of the most effective tools in preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses, reducing severe cases and saving lives. Preliminary estimates show that last season, people who were vaccinated against the flu were about 40-70% less likely to be hospitalized due to flu illness or related complications. Last year, only 49% of children aged 6 months to 4 years old in North Dakota received a dose of the flu vaccine, leaving a substantial portion of the young population vulnerable to the flu.
“Getting vaccinated against respiratory illnesses is not just an individual choice; it’s a collective responsibility to prevent community spread and reduce the burden on our health care systems,” said Dr. Richard Vetter, Essentia Health West Market chief medical officer. “The convergence of these respiratory illnesses during the fall and winter months could place immense pressure on our hospitals if we don’t act now.”
A new, updated monovalent COVID-19 vaccine will be available this fall. Despite the emergence of new virus strains, this vaccine is anticipated to provide cross-protection, enhancing our defense against COVID-19 and its variants.
For the first time, there are now immunizations available to protect against RSV for those over the age of 60 and infants.
Individuals over the age of 60 with certain medical conditions, and those living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, may receive a single dose of the newly approved RSV immunization, and are encouraged to speak with their health care provider about whether immunization is right for them.
RSV immunization is recommended for all infants, under the age of 8 months, born before or during the RSV season, and for children 18-months and younger who are at increased risk, including severely immunocompromised children, of severe RSV and are entering their second RSV season. The RSV immunization for infants is a preventative antibody that provides short-term protection against RSV and hospitalization for about one RSV season. This immunization has shown remarkable results, reducing the risk of hospitalizations and health care visits for RSV in infants by approximately 80%.
“Along with Sanford Health and Essentia Health, we are committed to protecting our community,” said Dr. Tracie Newman, Fargo Cass Public Health health officer. “Vaccination is key in our defense against respiratory illnesses, and we encourage everyone to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their neighbors.”
Everyone 6 months and older is recommended to get an annual flu vaccine. Several Sanford and Essentia clinics will host individual flu vaccine events this fall. Learn more and find an event near you at sanfordhealth.org or essentiahealth.org. For flu shot availability through Fargo Cass Public Health, please call 701.241.1383.
Whether it’s the flu vaccine, COVID-19 booster shots or other recommended vaccines, each one plays a vital role in safeguarding our community’s health. You are encouraged to reach out to your health care provider for guidance on vaccination options and schedules.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Sanford Health
Jessica Schindeldecker
(701) 200-6080 / Jessica.Schindeldecker@SanfordHealth.org
Essentia Health
Caitlin Pallai
(701) 212-5206 / Caitlin.Pallai@EssentiaHealth.org
Fargo Cass Public Health
Holly Scott
(701) 476-5990 / HScott@FargoND.gov
About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization serves more than one million patients and 201,000 health plan members across 250,000 square miles. The integrated health system has 46 medical centers, 2,800 Sanford physicians and advanced practice providers, 170 clinical investigators and research scientists, 186 Good Samaritan Society senior living centers and world clinics in nine countries around the globe. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.
About Essentia Health
Essentia Health’s mission is to make a healthy difference in people’s lives. We relentlessly pursue that mission at our 14 hospitals, 78 clinics, six long-term care facilities, three assisted living facilities, three independent living facilities, seven ambulance services and one research institute. Essentia has about 15,000 employees, including 2,200 physicians and advanced practitioners who provide expert, compassionate care. We’re privileged to serve patients in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.
About Fargo Cass Public Health
Fargo Cass Public Health (FCPH) is a local health unit serving residents of Fargo, West Fargo, Cass County, and the surrounding area. FCPH addresses a wide range of public health issues, from providing reproductive health services and STD testing, to conducting food safety inspections in restaurants and grocery stores. FCPH works to control communicable diseases such as flu and tuberculosis, and also strives to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors and personal risk reduction in various settings in the community. The seven divisions of FCPH work collaboratively to align with our mission, which is to prevent disease and injury, promote wellness and protect community health. For more information on our agency, please visit FargoCassPublicHealth.com.
