Low flu and COVID vaccine doses in Richmond this year - Richmond Times-Dispatch
With peak flu season starting this month, only 20% of Richmonders have gotten an influenza vaccine for this year.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services set a target of maximum effectiveness for the flu vaccine at 70% of the total population. The last reported data, for the 2020-21 season, shows 49.8% of the country received a flu vaccine.
With Richmond falling below that threshold so far, there is a greater risk of the flu spreading this season.
Elizabeth Gentry, a pharmacist in the area, said the biggest obstacle to increasing the number of vaccines administered has been patients not coming in for appointments.
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"(It's about) just getting people in and having the time to do it," she said.
The flu vaccine works by injecting antibodies from the virus to alleviate symptoms if someone were to contract the virus, similar to the COVID-19 vaccines. While the vaccine does not eliminate the ability to get sick, it lowers the risk of severe symptoms and hospitalization.
The Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, along with the Virginia Department of Health and Bon Secours, held a flu vaccine event in October in an attempt to combat the low numbers. Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney was one of the public leaders who attended this event to encourage Richmonders to get their flu shots.
"Flu vaccine is plentiful, and I urge everyone eligible to get vaccinated. I get a flu shot every year because it's easy and effective protection during a time of year when respiratory viruses are circulating," State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton said at the event.
Shelton volunteered to get a flu shot during this event to show attendees that it is safe. Attendees were welcome to get their flu shots at the event as well.
Stoney was also an advocate for the community to get their vaccines.
"Getting a flu shot makes sense for so many reasons," Stoney said at the event. "Not only does it offer personal protection against illness, it is also a way to be considerate of our communities and the people around us. That's because a case of the flu for medically vulnerable people, seniors, young children, can be very serious and potentially even fatal. Annual flu shots are important for public health, and they are readily available in pharmacies, doctor's offices and through community clinics."
During a flu vaccine event in October, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, seen here at a gathering at Bellemeade Community Center the previous month, said: "Getting a flu shot makes sense for so many reasons. Not only does it offer personal protection against illness, it is also a way to be considerate of our communities and the people around us."
The flu vaccine works by injecting antibodies from the virus to alleviate symptoms if someone were to contract the virus, similar to the COVID-19 vaccines. While the vaccine does not eliminate the ability to get sick, it lowers the risk of severe symptoms and hospitalization.
There are new COVID vaccine recommendations for this season, despite President Joe Biden signing a bill in April to end the national emergency. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that those 5 years or older get a dose of an "updated" vaccine.
According to the CDC, "There is no preferential recommendation for the use of any one COVID-19 vaccine over another when more than one licensed or authorized, recommended, and age-appropriate vaccine is available."
Only 10.8% of Richmonders have received an updated dose of a COVID vaccine this season, according to the VDH.
These numbers are not unexpected. The world is facing a phenomenon known as "vaccine fatigue," which describes an inaction in staying up to date with vaccines because of burnout.
A 2022 study found that vaccine fatigue and hesitancy is in part because of a lack of proper vaccine education and communication. But the study indicates optimism about combating this issue through empathic and informative vaccine communication.
While vaccine appointments have died off in the past few weeks, Gentry said, many patients are getting both a COVID and flu vaccine at one time. She says it is clinically safe to do so.
Many pharmacies around the Richmond area are offering free flu vaccines for the season. Appointments can be made at many local CVS pharmacies, Kroger, Walmart, Costco and Rite Aid. Doctor's offices also provide flu shots this time of year.
COVID vaccines can also be found at CVS, Kroger and Rite Aid. Publix and Walgreens are also offering COVID vaccines. Patients should check their insurance companies for more information about how the COVID vaccine will be covered.
From the Archives: Jackson Ward in the 1970s and 80s
09-16-1981 (cutline): 300 block of W. Clay Street.
12-14-1976: Jackson Ward from above
08-27-1980 (cutline): Goddin-Taylor House is one of the oldest in Jackson Ward
05-13-1978 (cutline): 100 block of West Clay Street is key factor in restoration of Jackson Ward.
04-22-1976: Fire house at Brook and Marshall St.
10-24-1988 (cutline): Marks of a makeover. Workers are starting to make progress on the Jackson Ward building at 2nd and Clay streets. The building's renovation is the first project in a series of improvements proposed under the Jackson Ward Vision 2000 plan being financed by the city and private development groups.
04-22-1976: Barham House, 313 W. Marshall St.