According to a report from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, only about 27 percent of Iowans have received flu shots this season, the lowest turnout in the past five years. Elizabeth Scharon, a registered nurse and vaccine clinic manager at Gundersen Health System, emphasizes the importance of flu shots in protecting both individuals and the community. She warns that the flu can lead to hospitalization and recommends getting vaccinated ahead of the holiday season, as it can take up to two weeks for the shot to be effective.
Scharon also notes that even young and healthy individuals should get vaccinated to protect more vulnerable people around them, such as the elderly or young family members. The CDC reported that about 500 Iowans died in 2022 from complications of influenza and pneumonia. Gundersen Health System, with clinics in various Iowa towns and a hospital in West Union, encourages everyone to get vaccinated to prevent the spread of the flu.
By getting vaccinated, individuals can help reduce the risk of severe illness and protect those who are at higher risk. Scharon reminds everyone that the flu can have minor or severe symptoms and urges Iowans to take responsibility for their health and the health of their community by getting vaccinated. If more people get their flu shots, it could potentially prevent the spread of flu to those who are most at risk.
Source
Photo credit www.radioiowa.com
