By Ta’Leah Van Sistine, community reporter/editor
Flu season is fast approaching and Prevea Health, HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals are encouraging everyone to get their flu shot as soon as possible.
A recent press release from the trio stressed that vaccination against the flu is crucial, especially amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and spread of the delta variant which have contributed to a decrease in available hospital beds.
Dr. Ashok Rai, president and CEO of Prevea Health. said getting vaccinated for both COVID-19 and the flu is one of the most important steps people can take for their own health, the health of their loved ones and the health of their community.
“Just as vaccination is the most effective tool in preventing the spread of COVID-19, it is the most effective tool in preventing the spread of flu,” Rai said.
Flu shots available
Flu shot appointments are available at Prevea Health locations across northwest Wisconsin, including Eau Claire, Altoona and Chippewa Falls, according to the press release.
To schedule an appointment, individuals can call 888-277-3832 or go to the MyPrevea patient portal.
A list of Northwest Wisconsin Prevea flu clinic locations, dates and times can be found at www.prevea.com/flu.
The press release cited the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in saying that millions of people get the flu every year, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized and thousands to tens of thousands of people die annually from flu-related causes.
It said that young children, pregnant women, people 65 years and older and people with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease, are highly encouraged to get the flu shot.
Hospitals near capacity
As part of a statewide trend, HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals are at near capacity due to widespread COVID-19 infection and other medical conditions that require hospitalization.
Jennifer Drayton, chief nursing officer at the two hospitals, said “COVID-19 continues to put a major strain on our hospitals, staff and communities.”
She said it becomes challenging to treat those who have influenza, injuries, a heart attack and other medical emergencies when in-patient beds are full with COVID-19 patients.
“We need to be able to care for all patients, including those who need treatment for non-COVID conditions,” she said.
Prevea Health also provides free COVID-19 vaccines at locations across Wisconsin, and those interested can visit www.prevea.com/vaccine.