Immigrant Population Hit Particularly Hard without Natural Immunity
Chicago, IL (December 2023) – With respiratory illnesses on the rise, Near North Health (NNH), one of the oldest providers of community-based primary health care in Chicago, is offering influenza vaccination clinics at several locations this month.
Near North Health is seeing a surge in respiratory illnesses, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID, with more than 145% increase in cases moving from the summer to the fall months. To combat illness during the cold and flu season, anyone can come to the vaccination events to receive flu vaccines, regardless of their ability to pay. Flu vaccinations either will be charged to a patient’s insurance provider or the patient will be charged a nominal fee based on income. COVID-10 vaccinations are offered at all Near North clinics.
December 15, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
St. Sabina and Near North Health Pop Clinic
St. Sabina, 1210 W. 78th Place, Chicago, 60620
December 16, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
This is Life Presents Holiday Extravaganza
7445 S. South Chicago Avenue, Chicago, 60619
December 21, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Joining Senator Mattie Hunter for Holiday Food Give-away
XS Tennis Village, 5336 S. State Street, Chicago, 60609
*Flu and COVID vaccinations available at this event.
Common symptoms of respiratory viruses include head, nasal and/or ear congestion, cough, shortness of breath, low grade fever, and phlegm production. NNH is seeing an uptick in strep as well as viral conditions.
Dr. Daniel Vicencio, NNH interim chief medical officer, notes that NNH strives to address each individual patient’s healthcare needs, recognizing and understanding the intricacies of their experiences to provide empathetic and effective support, fostering a more inclusive and responsive healthcare environment for all. Migrants new to the area are particularly hard hit with new viruses they have not encountered until reaching the cold climate of Chicago.
“Migrants, navigating through new environments and unfamiliar territories, are encountering conditions that, while considered commonplace in our daily lives, present entirely novel challenges for them. 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,” said Dr. Vicencio. “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.”
Near North Health encourages everyone to get vaccinated this cold and flu season and will offer additional vaccination clinics in coming weeks.
About Near North Health
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. NNH provides medical services, social services, and nutrition education to uninsured and underinsured individuals and families. The NNH 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 NNH’s mission and services is available at www.nearnorthhealth.org.
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