Rural Health, Inc. Encourages Residents to Schedule Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations by End of October

(Southern Illinois) – With summer drawing to a close, Rural Health, Inc. (RHI) encourages residents to schedule their flu and COVID-19 shots by the end of October in order to be fully protected prior to peak viral season and to help stay protected and reduce the spread of infection through winter.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting a flu vaccination reduces your risk of getting sick, lowers the chance of severe illness or hospitalization, and protects vulnerable people around you. For individuals over age 65, or have underlying health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, or are immune-suppressed, a high dose flu vaccine may be recommended.

As COVID-19 continues to surge in the U.S., healthcare professionals also recommend residents get a COVID shot for the same reasons they get a flu shot. Both vaccines can be received in one appointment or spread through two visits.

“Vaccinating against flu and COVID lowers your risk of contracting both viruses simultaneously, which can devastate the immune system,” says Shawnna Rhine, RHI Director of Public Relations. “Both flu and COVID vaccines build your bodies defense without the dangerous risks of severe infection or long-term complications from natural immunity.”

For those individuals who are unable, or chose not to vaccinate, antivirals are available by prescription from a healthcare provider for both flu and COVID-19 if contracted. While antivirals are effective at reducing the severity of a contracted flu or COVID illness, they don’t protect you from getting sick like a vaccine and must be administered within a few days of infection to work properly. Your best protection is vaccination.

Other ways to protect yourself and others from flu and COVID-19 infection include:

• Washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, which is the most effective at washing away germs and viruses.
• Using a hand sanitizer with 60% to 95% alcohol and rub your hands until dry.
• Wearing a mask when in public or with someone who has an underlying health condition to reduce spreading germs.
• Covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
• Maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet from others.
• Staying home if you are sick.

When considering vaccination against flu and COVID-19, talk to your healthcare provider about what is best for you based on your individual health needs. Vaccination is recommended for anyone age 6 months or older.

For more information, visit cdc.org. To schedule a vaccination or virus care appointment with Rural Health, Inc., call 618-833-4471 or visit ruralhealthinc.org for a RHI health center near you.

Rural Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization designated by the federal government as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with locations in Johnson, Massac, and Union counties in Illinois providing quality medical, dental, mental health, and pharmacy services to all patients in need of healthcare while being committed to the overall health and well-being of the underserved. Medicaid, Medicare, and most insurance carriers are accepted.

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