As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the delta variant has hit many communities hard, particularly younger, unvaccinated people, heavily impacting hospitals and caregivers. With influenza (flu) season also around the corner, Steward Medical Group encourages all eligible patients to receive their COVID-19 vaccination, as well as their annual flu shot, to help stop the spread of these viruses and to enhance the safety and protection of all who live in their community.
“Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is one of the most effective ways we can all do our share in helping mitigate, and eventually end, the pandemic,” said Roger D. Mitty, chief physician executive for Steward Medical Group.
The COVID-19 vaccine is free, and available at numerous locations within your community. And, with the upcoming influenza season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised that individuals can get their COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines at the same visit: CDC Info on Getting COVID and Flu Vaccines at Same Time.
CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations:
- The COVID-19 vaccine is for everyone aged 12 years and older in the United States.
- COVID-19 vaccines currently approved or authorized by the Food and Drug Administration are highly effective in preventing serious outcomes of COVID-19, including severe disease, hospitalization, and death.
- Available evidence suggests that these vaccines offer protection against known variants, including the delta variant (B.1.617.2), particularly against hospitalization and death. The delta variant, currently the predominant variant in the United States, is associated with increased spreading of the virus.
Questions about COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines?
We recommend that you consult your personal physician if you have any questions regarding your personal health situation prior to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Specifically, you may want to speak to your personal physician if any of the following conditions apply to you:
- History of severe allergy to a vaccine or injectable medication
- Pregnancy or planning to be pregnant in the next 2 months
- Breastfeeding
- Presently taking any blood thinners or have a clotting or platelet disorder
- Immune system disorder or actively taking immune suppressive therapy
- Presently enrolled in a COVID-19 treatment or prevention study
Influenza “Flu” Vaccine
Influenza season, more commonly known as “Flu Season” typically runs from the fall through spring. An annual influenza vaccine is recommended for anyone ages 6 months and older to reduce the severity of the illness, including hospitalizations and death. Ideally, you should aim to have your flu shot by the end of October.
Who is at Higher Risk for Getting the Flu?
- Children under the age of 5 years
- Children who have neurologic conditions
- Expectant mothers
- Adults ages 65 and older
- Other individuals with certain underlying medical conditions.
By taking these proactive vaccine steps, we can all do our part in working to end the pandemic. Steward Medical Group remains committed to you and your loved ones. Our practices continue to offer telehealth video visits and continue to pre-screen all patients prior to in-person office visits. Face masks are required for in-person office visits and we continue to use social distancing measures and enhanced cleaning to help promote the safety and health of our patients, staff, and providers.
Where you can obtain your free COVID-19 vaccine:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/How-Do-I-Get-a-COVID-19-Vaccine.html?s_cid=11383:vaccination%20locations:sem.ga:p:RG:GM:gen:PTN:FY21
Find a COVID-19 Vaccine: Search www.vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you in the U.S.
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/reporting/vaccinefinder/about.html
To find a doctor or schedule an appointment, visit Steward DoctorFinder™.
