On Monday, September 23, Essentia Health, along with representatives from the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Fargo-Cass Public Health (FCPH), Sanford Health, and other local health care partners, issued an important community message encouraging North Dakotans to prepare for the upcoming respiratory illness season.
Local physicians and health care experts discussed the main respiratory illnesses this season, vaccination recommendations and options, and the importance of individuals speaking with trusted health care providers about strategies to support their health.
Joseph Halvorson, nurse practitioner and chief of internal medicine at Essentia Health in Fargo, focused on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and vaccination recommendations for adults.
“As we strive to be the healthiest state in the nation, it’s important that all North Dakotans are involved in decisions that protect their health and well-being,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Nizar Wehbi. “Fall and winter are a great time to connect with your trusted health care providers to discuss regular checkups and vaccinations.”
Severe illness from influenza, COVID-19, and RSV can lead to missed work or school, doctor visits, hospitalizations, and increased health care costs.
“As we move into respiratory season, the best defense against serious illness from viruses like the flu, COVID-19 and RSV is the vaccine,” said Dr. Avish Nagpal, medical director of infection prevention at Sanford Health. “By getting vaccinated, you’re not only protecting yourself, you’re also protecting those who are vulnerable, as well as your family and friends.”
“Infants and young children are especially susceptible to infection because their immune systems are not yet fully developed, which is why it’s important to discuss vaccinations with your trusted health care provider,” said Dr. Tracy Newman, pediatrician and health officer for FCPH. “Nutrition, hand hygiene and vaccinations help young people thrive.”
Data on influenza, COVID-19, and RSV has been available on the HHS website since October. Flu and COVID vaccinations were recently updated to provide increased protection against dominant strains.
“Older adults and those with weakened immune systems are especially susceptible to complications from infections like RSV,” Halverson said. “The RSV vaccine for adults 60 and older has only been available for a little over a year, so many people haven’t heard of it or gotten the vaccine yet. Now is a great time to get it.”
Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended annually for everyone aged 6 months or older. Generally, only one RSV vaccination is recommended in a lifetime for older adults, pregnant women, infants, and young children. A second dose may be recommended for some high-risk children.
Practicing good hand hygiene, keeping frequently used surfaces clean, and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing can also help prevent the spread of illness. Anyone who is sick should stay home until they have recovered to avoid spreading the illness to others.
Influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccinations are generally covered by insurance. The Vaccine for Children program provides free or low-cost vaccines to American Indians, Medicaid recipients, and uninsured or underinsured children. HHS also has a program that provides free vaccines to uninsured adults.
Vaccinations are available at doctor’s offices, local public health agencies, and pharmacies. Talk to your trusted health care provider about which vaccination is right for you. For more information, visit hhs.nd.gov/health/respiratory-illnesses.
At Essentia, patients can get vaccinated through their family doctor or at one of our walk-in clinics. You do not need to be an Essentia patient to visit our walk-in clinic to get vaccinated.
Appointments can be made by calling (701) 364-8900, online through the MyChart patient portal or through our mobile app. For more information about the flu vaccine, visit essentiahealth.org/flu.
The following organizations are working together to encourage North Dakotans to talk to their trusted health care providers about strategies to stay healthy during respiratory illness season: Essentia Health, HHS, Sanford Health, FCPH, Foundation for a Healthy North Dakota, Family HealthCare, and the NDSU Center for Immunization Research and Education and Center for Advancing Pharmacy Collaboration.
