September 23, 2024
Now that children are back in school and the leaves are starting to turn, it’s time for Minnesotans to get the latest COVID, RSV and seasonal flu shots, say the physicians of the Minnesota Medical Association (MMA).
“For far too many people, COVID seems like ancient history,” says MMA President Laurel Ries, MD. “But for those of us in healthcare, it is anything but.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of early August, patients reporting positive tests for COVID had reached the highest point since January 2022.
“COVID has made a comeback this summer and one of the best ways to combat its spread is to get vaccinated,” Ries says.
Unfortunately, Minnesotans are not getting vaccinated for COVID at the same rate as in years past. According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), just over 14% of eligible Minnesotans are up to date on their COVID vaccinations.
And while they are getting vaccinated for COVID, Minnesotans should consider getting their flu and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) shots.
The CDC recommends that everyone 75 years and older receive a single dose of RSV vaccine. RSV is not a shot you need every year; adults only need one dose to be protected from it. Adults ages 60-74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease should talk to their healthcare provider or pharmacist about whether they should get the vaccine.
RSV is a leading cause of hospitalization for infants and cases rise in the winter months. Pregnant people are encouraged to receive the RSV vaccine to protect their babies. Infants less than eight months (or eight to 19 months at increased risk) whose mothers didn’t receive the RSV vaccine, may be eligible for the RSV monoclonal antibody, called nirsevimab, a non-vaccine medicine that can give them protection against RSV.
People who live with or care for infants can also protect babies by getting immunized for influenza, Covid and pertussis (which causes whooping cough). Minnesota families should talk to their healthcare providers to determine the best options and timing of immunizations for them and their babies.
“The best medicine is prevention,” Ries says. “Minnesotans can help to prevent the spread of illness by getting vaccinated, covering their cough, and staying home if they are not feeling well.”
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About the Minnesota Medical Association
The Minnesota Medical Association is a non-profit professional association representing physicians, residents and medical students. With more than 10,000 members, the MMA is dedicated to being the leading voice of medicine to make Minnesota the healthiest state and the best place to practice.
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Two physicians, four physicians-in-training, the late Minnesota House of Representatives Speaker Emerita and the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy were all honored with MMA awards as part of this year’s Empowering Physicians event on September 26. Each year, the MMA honors those in medicine for going above and beyond.
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Lisa Mattson, MD, of Plymouth, was installed as the Minnesota Medical Association’s (MMA) 159th president on September 26, during the association’s Empowering Physicians event in Minneapolis.
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The Minnesota Medical Association (MMA) and four other physician advocacy organizations sent a letter to Gov. Tim Walz on September 5 urging him to call a special legislative session to “pass legislation to address the devastating death and injuries from firearms and gun violence.