North New Castle News

After delivering more than 10,300 public flu vaccinations between September and November throughout the Beebe Healthcare system, clinicians are urging the public to consider receiving a vaccine and take additional measures to protect themselves.

With a fast start to respiratory illness season between flu and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), along with an increasing number of COVID-19 cases, epidemiologists are forecasting the possibility of high spread of the viruses this fall and winter.

Delaware already has more confirmed cases of flu (4,274 as of 12/3/22) than last year in total – this doesn’t include rapid tests not reported to public health. The best protection from severe illness from these respiratory viruses is a combination of vaccination and infection prevention practices.

“I urge fellow community members to consider taking steps to protect themselves from any one of these viruses,” said Dr. Bill Chasanov, Infectious Disease Physician and Chief Population Health Officer. “If you haven’t already, receiving your flu vaccine and bivalent COVID-19 booster are proven to reduce the chances of severe illness.

“Additionally, practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding public areas if you are not feeling well, and considering wearing a mask are all good options to protect yourself, family, and your community this fall and winter.”

Flu vaccination

While Beebe’s free flu clinics have concluded, the Delaware Division of Public Health has created a webpage with important flu information and a “find a flu shot” page (https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/fight-the-flu/). 

Original source can be found here.