Virginia Leaders, Health Care Officials Urge Public to Get Flu Shots During Bon Secours, VDH, VHHA Event

Virginians Encouraged to Get Annual Flu Shot During Event with State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, and Health Care Leaders

October 2, 2024

Influenza Virus Afflicts Tens of Millions of Americans Annually, Resulting in Millions of Medical Visits, Several Hundred Thousand Hospitalizations, Thousands of Fatalities, and a Costly Impact on the U.S. Economy and the Health Care Delivery System

RICHMOND, VA - Now is the time for Virginians to get their annual influenza shot to protect against illness as cold, flu, and respiratory virus season approaches. That message was shared by Virginia State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, and other health care leaders during an event today at the Bon Secours Sarah Garland Jones Center for Healthy Living. Through words and deeds, leaders participating in the event encouraged Virginians to receive their seasonal flu shots - several rolled up their sleeves and received a flu shot today as an example to the public. A livestream video of the flu shot event can be viewed online here.

"Getting your annual flu shot is one of the simplest things every Virginian can do to protect themselves and others as the fall respiratory illness season draws near," said Virginia State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton, MD. "Flu sickens millions of people across the U.S. each year and, in the latest flu season, killed tens of thousands nationally. One quick shot can protect you from the flu and help prevent hospitalization or death. The flu shot is proven safe and effective - get yours as soon as you can for this flu season."

Each year, the flu affects millions of Americans, resulting in doctor visits, hospitalizations, and in some cases, death. Flu season spans October-March. During the 2023-2024 flu season, preliminary estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate there were at least 31 million flu illnesses, 14 million flu-related medical visits, 350,000 flu hospitalizations, and at least 22,000 flu deaths. This flu season, the CDC projects that the fall and winter respiratory illness period could see a similar number of peak hospitalizations compared to last season. In addition to the physical toll of influenza on patients and health care providers, flu season also has a significant financial impact, with one multi-year study showing more than $11 billion in direct medical and indirect economic costs associated with U.S. adults who contract vaccine-preventable illness such as the flu. According to the Virginia Department of Health, Virginia reported 111,940 emergency department and urgent care visits with diagnosed influenza and an estimated 149 influenza-associated deaths, including three pediatric deaths, during the 2023-2024 flu season.

Vaccination can reduce these numbers by providing a layer of defense against severe illness and helping to reduce the spread of illness. Flu season typically runs from the fall through the spring, with peak activity in the winter months. Symptoms of the flu may include fever, chills, coughing, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, and body aches.

"Every year I roll-up my sleeve to get my flu shot," said Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney. "I'm grateful to stand with members of the health care community and show our mutual support for vaccinations that help to protect ourselves and our loved ones from infection. Thank you to all our health care professionals who work around the clock to help people stay healthy."

"Bon Secours is focused on improving and ensuring the health of our community," said Mike Lutes, President, Bon Secours Richmond. "With flu season upon us, it's important that members of our community know that by getting the influenza vaccine and lessening the likelihood of serious illness for themselves, that also lessens the potential burden on area hospitals as well. We encourage members of the community to talk with their trusted medical providers about protecting themselves against the flu."

"Annual flu shots are a proven, effective way to prevent serious illness and to protect yourself and the people in your household," added Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA) President and CEO Sean T. Connaughton. "Getting a flu shot can also help relieve undue burden on hospitals and health care providers, which often encounter increased patient demand for medical care during flu season. When people get sick, it impacts them, their families, and the broader community. It can cost people lost time at work, lost days at school, or worse. Annual flu shots can help protect against those outcomes. By getting vaccinated, people can do their part to keep communities healthier."

The CDC recommends an annual flu shot for most Americans six months and older. Flu shots are safe, effective, and widely available. They are often covered by private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. Those looking for more information are encouraged to visit this website and enter their zip code to find a convenient flu shot location. The flu shot and COVID-19 booster can be received at the same time. People who need more information about COVID-19 boosters can visit this link.

About VDH: The mission of the Virginia Department of Health is to protect the health and promote the well-being of all people in Virginia. Learn more at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/.

About VHHA: The Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association is an alliance of 111 hospitals and 26 health delivery systems that develops and advocates for sound health care policy in the Commonwealth. Its mission is to achieve excellence in both health care and health to make Virginia the healthiest state in the nation. Its vision is through collaboration with members and stakeholders, to ensure the sustainability of Virginia health care system, transform the delivery of care to promote lower costs and high value across the continuum of care, and to improve health for all Virginians. Connect with VHHA through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

About Bon Secours - Richmond

Bon Secours - Richmond is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health, one of the 20 largest health systems in the United States and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the country. The ministry's quality, compassionate care is provided by more than 60,000 associates serving communities in Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia, as well as throughout Ireland. Bon Secours - Richmond provides compassionate medical care through a network of hospitals, primary and specialty care practices and ambulatory care sites. As one of Richmond's largest employers, the not-for-profit health system employs more than 9,000 people, including nearly 420 providers as part of the Bon Secours Medical Group. Bon Secours - Richmond includes St. Mary's Hospital, Memorial Regional Medical Center, Richmond Community Hospital, St. Francis Medical Center, Rappahannock General Hospital, Southside Medical Center, Southern Virginia Medical Center, Westchester Emergency Center, Chester Emergency Center, Short Pump Emergency Center and Southside Emergency Care Center. The mission of Bon Secours is to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of our communities and bring good help to those in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved. For more information visit BonSecours.com.

###

Contact:

VHHA: Julian Walker VDH: Maria Reppas
Vice President of Communications Director of Communications
[email protected][email protected]

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.