Jamestown  (CSi 12-21-21)  Central Valley Health District has updated the community on the importance and availability  of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and Influenza.

On the December 21, 2021 Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2  CVHD Unit Administrator, Robin Iszler provided the updated information.

Below is the Q&A that Robin provided for our show.

Q:  Central Valley is here to talk about COVID vaccinations and Flu – How is it going with vaccinations this year?

A:  Good morning so Central Valley has had a busy fall – typically we provide flu shots at businesses, schools and other community locations – this year we have provided just over 2200 flu vaccinations.  We have also been busy with COVID vaccinations for those 1, 2 and booster doses.   We are seeing a slow down right now, but we are here today to let the public know it is not to late for a vaccination flu or COVID

  1. Let’s start with Flu – tell us why it is important

A:  Each year seasonal influenza circulates in the community – this is not your stomach flu – influenza is a respiratory virus – that can lead to pneumonia or serious illness.   Flu shots help prevent those serious complications form season influenza.   This is all further complicated with the fact that COVID is circulating in the community.

  1. When should you receive your flu shot?

A:  Flu shots are a yearly vaccination that we begin providing late September and into October.   Once you have a flu shot it takes about 2 weeks to become effective to prevent the flu and the coverage lasts about 6 months.   In North Dakota we can see influenza circulating from November into March.   North Dakota is starting to see more cases of influenza which we anticipate to increase as more people gather together for the holidays.  ND had 572 cases this season and Stutsman County has seen 17.   The primary strain right now is Influenza A.  We do know that the vaccine is a good match for the flu this year. In North Dakota among all age groups influenza vaccinations are down slightly from last year.

It is not to late for the flu shot and Central Valley still has high dose vaccine available if someone wants a flu shot.  Also if you have anyone who is unable to get out for appointments – we are willing to come to a home to provide a flu or COVID vaccination if needed.  You just need to call us to set up an appointment.

Q so flu and covid are both respiratory virus with similar symptoms so what might be the differences people should look for.

  1. So the symptoms are very similar – with COVID however it may take a few days longer from exposure to experience symptoms – so that is why we have people exposed – monitor themselves for 5 to 7 days for symptoms also with COVID we see some stomach issues like vomiting and diarrhea and also the loss of taste and smell is something very common with COVID and usually not seen with influenza. The only way to tell what disease you have is to be tested – clinics do have testing methods that can take one sample from your throat or nose and test for a variety of illness.  So if you are sick it would be best to call your health care provider for a test.

Q..  Of course we hear daily about COVID – how or what is CVHD currently doing around COVID?

A;  Yes we continue to do work with COVID in the community – December 22 will mark our one year anniversary when we received the first COVID vaccine in Stutsman County – we received 300 does with that first shipment – and today we have provided 12816 covid vaccinations!   And we are continuing to provide community covid testing as well.

Q:  So if someone wants a COVID or Flu vaccination what should they do?

A:  Central Valley is vaccinating at our office for COVID and Flu – we have set up dates and times and people can register for an appointment for either vaccination.  To find these clinics to register you can visit our website at centralvalleyhealth.org.  OR if you are unable to use the computer you can call us at 701-252-8130 and one of our nurses will get back to you and help you register for the appointment.  Also if you have a family member that is home bound and unable to come out and needs either a flu or COVID vaccination call us – we can come to the home to provide the vaccination.

Q:  is there costs with either vaccination?  There is not a cost – we do submit to insurance plans for the cost to administer the COVID vaccination the vaccine is free  – flu shots we also bill insurance – and most plans do cover the costs.  We do have some programs for adults with no insurance to help provide a free flu shot – so if you have questions about costs – again call us and we can help.

 

Q:   Thanks for providing vaccination information – will CVHD continue COVID testing?

A:  Yes right now we are testing 2 days a week at the civic center in Jamestown – from 11 to 1.   We do plan to continue this into the new year – as long as there are not other events at the civic center we will be able to use the exchequer room to provide testing.  This event is being assisted by Staff from the ND Department of Health.   And we ask that you pre-register at testreg.nd.gov

 

Once again – if you are interested in vaccinations – visit CVHD website or call them at 252-8130 and if you want testing – you can also find that information at CVHD website

 

Testing is recommended before and after the holiday as you gather with family and friends you increase your chance of being exposed to illness – covid or influenza.  Also if you are sick please stay home – I know that is hard but it really is the best way to prevent spreading illness.

Our website is Centralvalleyhealth.org for up to date information.