Sonoma County Government: Sonoma County Health Officer Requires Flu Shots For Health Care Workers, Recommends Them For Public

Petaluma CA

04 October, 2021

3:41 PM

Description

Press release from the Sonoma County Government: October 3, 2021 For Immediate Release CA Dr. Mase also issued a strong recommendation that the general public, including first responders, get an influenza vaccine this flu season. First responders who decline to get the influenza vaccine are strongly encouraged to wear a medical-grade mask when interacting with the public or while working indoors. Flu season, which lasts from Nov. 1 to May 1, comes this year as Sonoma County continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Mase warned of the potential for both viruses circulating in the community at the same time this winter, which could put a great strain on hospital resources. "As Sonoma County works to reduce transmission of COVID-19, influenza season is fast approaching," Dr. Mase said. "The flu and COVID-19 will likely be spreading at the same time, and relaxed COVID-19 mitigation measures may result in an increase in flu activity during the upcoming season. The co-occurrence of influenza season with a possibility of another late fall/winter surge of COVID-19 may increase the risk of our health systems being overwhelmed with patients with critical respiratory illness. Influenza is preventable with a vaccine that is currently available." Flu vaccines are widely available through primary health care providers, health clinics, pharmacies and some COVID vaccine clinics. Media Contact: Matt Brown Communications Specialist [email protected] (707) 565-3040 575 Administration Drive, Suite 104A Santa Rosa, CA 95403 This press release was produced by the Sonoma County Government. The views expressed here are the author's own.