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Public Health

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS), Fargo-Cass Public Health and other health partners held a community kickoff event today in Fargo to encourage North Dakotans to prepare for the upcoming respiratory illness season.

"To become the healthiest state in the nation, it's important for all North Dakotans to be engaged in making decisions to safeguard their health and well-being," said State Health Officer Dr. Nizar Wehbi. "Fall and winter are a great time to connect with your trusted health care provider and discuss routine health screenings and immunizations."

Severe illness from flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus can lead to missed work and school days, unplanned doctor appointments, hospitalizations and increased health care costs.

"As we enter respiratory season, vaccines are our best defense against serious illness from viruses like influenza, COVID-19 and RSV," said Dr. Avish Nagpal, infectious disease physician and medical director of infection prevention at Sanford Health Fargo. "By getting vaccinated, you're not just protecting yourself-you're helping to protect vulnerable populations as well as your family and friends."

"Infants and young children are especially vulnerable because their immune systems aren't fully developed yet, so it is important to talk to a trusted health care provider about immunizations," said Dr. Tracie Newman, pediatrician and Health Officer for Fargo-Cass Public Health. "Nutrition, hand hygiene and immunizations help young people thrive."

A vaccine locator and data dashboard on flu, COVID-19 and RSV can be found on the HHS website beginning in October. Flu and COVID-19 immunizations have recently been updated.

"Older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems can be particularly prone to complications associated with infectious illnesses like RSV," said Joseph Halvorson, a nurse practitioner and section chair of internal medicine at Essentia Health in Fargo. "The RSV vaccine for adults over 60 has only been available for a little over a year, so many people have not heard about or obtained it yet. Now is a great time to do so."

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended annually for all people ages 6 months and older. Generally, only one lifetime dose of RSV immunization is recommended for older adults, pregnant women, infants and young children. A second dose may be recommended for some high-risk children.

Good hand hygiene, cleaning frequently used surfaces and covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze also help prevent the spread of disease. Sick individuals should stay home to recover and prevent spreading disease to others.

The following local organizations have joined together to encourage North Dakotans to talk to a trusted health care provider about strategies to support their health this respiratory illness season: HHS, Fargo-Cass Public Health, Sanford Health, Essentia Health, Foundation for a Healthy North Dakota, Family HealthCare and North Dakota State University (NDSU) Center for Immunization Research and Education and Center for Collaboration and Advancement in Pharmacy.

Flu, RSV and COVID-19 immunizations are generally covered by insurance. The Vaccines for Children program provides free to low-cost vaccines for children who are American Indian, Medicaid-eligible, uninsured or underinsured. HHS also has programs to provide some free vaccines to uninsured adults.

Immunizations are available at clinics, local public health and pharmacies. Talk to a trusted health care provider about which immunizations are right for you and go to hhs.nd.gov/health/respiratory-illnesses to learn more.

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