Alabama Health Officials Urge Residents to Get Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations As flu and COVID-19 cases rise, health officials urge residents to get vaccinated
Alabama health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 as cases of both viruses rise in the state.
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) reported that the flu activity level in the state is currently at “moderate,” and that there have been 1,156 confirmed flu cases this season. The ADPH also reported that there have been 1,234 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state in the past week.
“Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself from the flu and COVID-19,” said Dr. Scott Harris, state health officer. “The flu can cause serious illness, hospitalization, and even death, especially for young children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions. COVID-19 can also cause serious illness, hospitalization, and death, and it can also have long-term health effects.”
The ADPH is offering free flu vaccinations at its county health departments. Flu vaccinations are also available at most pharmacies and doctor’s offices.
COVID-19 vaccines are also widely available in Alabama. Residents can find a vaccine provider near them by visiting the ADPH website.
In other Alabama health news:
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Alabama’s infant mortality rate continues to decline. The ADPH announced that the 2022 infant mortality rate in Alabama was 6.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, down from 7.6 in 2021.
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Cahaba Medical Care is using new technology to detect vision-threatening complications of diabetes. The clinic has partnered with Digital Diagnostics to provide patients with access to the first fully autonomous system De Novo cleared by the FDA that diagnoses diabetic retinopathy in its early stages, preventing vision loss.
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East Alabama Health is offering a new program to help patients with chronic pain. The program, called the Chronic Pain Management Program, is designed to help patients manage their pain and improve their quality of life.