COVID-19 & Flu Information

posted on Thursday, October 21, 2021

With flu season ramping up, we're here to remind you - getting an annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu.

In order to protect those within EPI and our communities who are more vulnerable to vaccine-preventable illnesses and outbreaks, EPI recently offered a vaccination clinic to all employees to help combat influenza and COVID-19. All employees were invited to receive a flu shot and/or their COVID-19 vaccination if they had not yet received one.
 
Current Status:
Black Hawk County remains in a HIGH status. Flu shots are again important this year as researches are predicting a "twindemic". By getting the flu shot the hope is we can blunt the effects of the flu and avoid adding additional stress to our healthcare system as well as further compromising individuals at high risk.

Booster doses are available for individuals who received their second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least six months ago and meet at least one of the following qualifications as outlined by the CDC:

• Over the age of 65
• Age 18 - 64 with underlying health condition
• Age 18 - 64 at high risk exposure because of occupation or institutional setting

More information is starting to become available for those who received Moderna or Johnson & Johnson.
   
>>> EPI Response:
We remain committed to protecting the vulnerable persons we serve, our workforce, and our community.

• Face coverings/Masks = Following CDC guidance, face coverings/masks are required for vaccinated persons and is continued to be required for unvaccinated persons. 

Following the CDC, we will ask that you continue to:

• Monitor your symptoms before arriving to an EPI office or home of a person served. Stay home if you are ill or showing any symptoms.
• Seek testing when needed (tests are readily available consult with your healthcare professional or visit TestIowa.com for an at-home collection kit where you mail the sample using a prepaid UPS label to a lab.)
• Remain strong in your efforts of taking general precautions such as avoiding crowds, washing your hands/don’t touch your face, heighten cleaning routines.

COVID-19 Vaccine Resources:
Increasing the rates of persons fully vaccinated continues to be our best line of defense to protect the people we serve and yourself from this virus.

• Use the CDC's Vaccine Finder
• Visit Vaccinate Iowa - Find a Provider 
• Coordinate by dialing 211

Flu Vaccine Resources: 
The flu shot vaccine not only reduces risk of illness but can prevent hospitalizations and death. Don't wait, vaccines are available in many areas.

• Talk to your health care provider
• Visit your local pharmacy
• Visit one of the various urgent care facilities in the area

Thank you for your continued efforts each and every day. Together, we will come through this.