ERMC strongly encourages community to get vaccinated for flu season
To minimize the spread of influenza this fall and winter, Ennis Regional Medical Center is encouraging all employees, medical personnel and community members to get vaccinated as soon as possible. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone six months and older, with any age-appropriate flu vaccine. If you are considering a nasal spray flu vaccine, it is important to know that this option is approved by the CDC for use in non-pregnant individuals, ages two through 49, and that there is a precaution against this option for those with certain underlying medical conditions.
“There has never been a more important time to be proactive about protecting your health and the health of your family and loved ones,” said Edwina Miner, chief nursing officer (CNO) at ERMC. “We know that getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent the flu and help you stay healthy this fall and winter. With this in mind, I highly recommend that every person receive a flu vaccination and make that every person receive a flu vaccination and make this important – and smart – decision to prioritize your health. Plus, getting your vaccination will help give you valuable peace of mind that you’re doing everything you can to guard against the flu, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic continues in our community.”
The best ways to protect against the flu are to:
• Get vaccinated and encourage your friends and family to do the same, especially those at greater risk for serious flu-related complications (children younger than five, adults 65 and older, pregnant women and those with certain chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart and lung diseases and more).
• Practice good health habits. Avoid close contact with others; stay home when you are sick; practice good hand hygiene; cover your nose and mouth with a tissue; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; and wear a mask when in public places as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
• If prescribed by a physician, take flu antiviral drugs.
ERMC is committed to its mission of Making Communities Healthier by protecting our patients, our employees and our volunteers, and limiting the spread of the flu in our community. For more information about the flu and effective prevention methods, visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/.
