The late summer heat that hung over the Midwest in recent weeks is showing signs of easing. Autumn’s milder weather finally has an opportunity to nudge its way into our days and nights.
There is much to like about the retreat of heat and the onset of falllike temperatures, not to mention the various activities and colorful holidays that accompany the season.
Influenza and Covid-19, however, are not among the things that people associate with the autumnal welcome mat. Yet they are dangerous seasonal viruses. No one should ignore the threats they pose. In fact, it’s wise for people to shield themselves.
Unfortunately, more people than ever may be inclined to forego annual flu and Covid vaccinations this year, due in part to the confusion and rising skepticism of immunizations of all types. The federal government is now led by individuals who spread disinformation about vaccines, and have gone so far as to infuse their personal, unfounded grievances about immunizations into official policy.
The current political climate has prompted some Indiana government and public health officials to issue warnings about what may well become a harsh season for flu and Covid-19.
That comes in the wake of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration rescinding the Emergency Use Authorizations for Covid-19 vaccines. The FDA also issued marketing authorization focused on “high-risk” Americans, which includes those 65 and older or existing health challenges. While there were fears that the health agency would require people to get a doctor’s prescription in order to acquire the vaccine, that restriction was not adopted.
At present, you should be able to get a Covid-19 shot at any pharmacy. But the responsibility for finding accurate information in your area is an individual responsibility.
The Indiana Capital Chronicle recently reported that there are clear signs that Covid-19 will continue to be active and that cases have spiked. The lack of clarity over vaccine access will undoubtedly make things worse.
With so much unnecessary chaos surrounding the Covid-19 vaccine, it’s important that people not forget about the flu vaccine. Influenza can also be a serious illness. Getting vaccinated not only protects a person from contracting the virus, it can lessen the flu’s severity if an individual does get sick.
There was a time in the not-toodistant past that vaccinations were widely accepted as the medical miracle that they are. Unfounded conspiracy theories and the spread of disinformation about science and technology have eroded public confidence with immunizations somewhat.
Medical professionals and organizations are still the best sources for advice about preventive health care. And they are the first to emphasize that social media or questionable internet sites are not the places to find reliable information.
The American Medical Association is one of the places that can be trusted to provide facts and direction people need. The AMA’s message is clear. Vaccines are safe and effective. And they have saved millions of lives.
Obtaining vaccines for common viral illnesses is a fundamental step people can take to protect themselves and their families each year. It should be viewed as both a personal and civic responsibility.
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