National Influenza Vaccination Week is December 4-8, 2023: Protect Yourself and Others

Chicago, IL – December 6, 2023 – As the nation observes National Influenza Vaccination Week (December 4-8), Near North Health (NNH) is urging everyone to prioritize their health and get vaccinated against the flu. With the onset of colder weather and the peak of respiratory illness season, NNH is offering several convenient vaccination events throughout December.

“The flu can be a serious illness, especially for young children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions,” said Dr. Dan Vicencio, Interim Chief Medical Officer at Near North Health. “Getting vaccinated is the single most effective way to protect yourself and others from the flu.”

NNH Mobile Vaccination Unit Schedule:

• St. Sabina Catholic Church: 5336 South State St. Chicago, IL 60609
  • Dates: December ?
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• St. Matthews Catholic Church: 1000 North Orleans Street. Chicago, IL 60610
  • Dates: December ?
  • Time: ?
• Food Give-a-way with State Senator Mattie Hunter: 5336 South State St. Chicago, IL 60609
  • Date: December 21st
  • Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months and older get vaccinated against the flu each year. The CDC also notes that flu vaccination is particularly important for pregnant women, young children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions.

RSV and Influenza Cases Increase in Chicago; Migrant Population Concerns

NNH has seen an increase in cases of RSV, Strep pharyngitis, and viral conditions. RSV cases increased nearly 2.5 times from June-August to September-November 2023 at NNH. The Chicago Department of Public Health also reports that influenza activity continues to increase. The issue is of particular concern for recently arrived migrants in Chicago.

“The experience of cold and flu symptoms, which many of us may take for granted, becomes a significant and unique ordeal for individuals in migration. The cultural and environmental adjustments, coupled with the uncertainties of healthcare access, exacerbate the impact of these seemingly routine health issues, creating distinctive challenges within the migrant community,” said Dr. Vicencio. “As we address their health needs, it is essential to recognize and understand the intricacies of their experiences to provide empathetic and effective support, fostering a more inclusive and responsive healthcare environment for all.”

Here are some of the symptoms of the flu, RSV, and Strep pharyngitis:

• Flu: Fever or felling of feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• RSV: Usually begins with mild cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, cough and headache. Emergency symptoms include shortness of breath, high fever, bluish tint to your skin, wheezing and worsening cough.
• Strep pharyngitis: Sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, difficulty swallowing, and white patches on the tonsils.

NNH encourages everyone to take the following steps to prevent respiratory illnesses:

• Get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick.

For more information about the flu, RSV, and Strep pharyngitis, or to find a flu vaccination clinic near you, please visit the Near North Health website or call (312) 232-0200.

Near North Health is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and one of the oldest providers of community-based primary health care in Chicago. We provide medical services, social services, and nutrition education to uninsured and underinsured individuals and families. Our philosophy reflects a commitment to providing access to innovative healthcare no matter where one comes from, what they look like or how long it’s been since they last saw a doctor. Additional information about our mission and services is available at www.nearnorthhealth.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Lisa Ripson

Ripson Group

Lisa.ripson@ripsongroup.com

(312) 493-5921 (o)

(312) 952-7394 (m)

Twitter: @LisaRipson

Chris Comes

Ripson Group

Chris.comes@ripsongroup.com

(312) 493-5921 (o)

(312) 282-0539 (m)

Twitter: @ChrisComes