People Are Also Reading
People are asked to enter Bismarck Event Center parking lot D from Seventh Street and make their way into the Event Center. Vaccinations will be conducted inside.
Custer Health in Mandan also is offering flu shot/COVID-19 vaccine clinics this month, in various Morton County, Mercer County and Grant County communities. There is a clinic in Mandan from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, at the Memorial Highway clinic, 1100 32nd Ave. SE.
No appointment is necessary, but people can preregister online at www.custerhealth.com. People should bring insurance cards to the clinic.
For a complete list of Custer Health clinics in the region, go to .
How Should I Prepare For My Flu Vaccination
Face masks are still required in health care settings. Please make sure you bring and properly wear a face mask to your flu vaccination appointment.
Flu shots are given in the upper arm muscle for young children and adults. Make sure your outfit is short-sleeved or has sleeves that are easy to roll up.
Infants and toddlers receive their flu shot in the upper thigh muscle. Consider dressing infants and toddlers in an outfit where the thigh is easily accessible.
Who Can Get The Vaccine
COVID-19 vaccines were initially in limited supply, so North Dakota had to prioritize who received the first doses. The state developed a series of priority phases with the help of a vaccine ethics committee and is now in Phase 2, or the general public.
Children age 12 to 15 can receive the Pfizer vaccine, which was initially approved for people 16 and older. Other pharmaceutical companies also are working to expand vaccination to children.
Children ages 5 to 11 can now receive the Pfizer vaccine. The children’s dose is one-third the amount of that given to teens and adults.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in August urged pregnant women to get the COVID-19 vaccine as an increased number of expectant mothers became seriously ill with the virus. Pregnant women have a higher risk of severe illness and pregnancy complications from COVID-19, according to the CDC. Analysis by the agency found no increased risk of miscarriage for women who received at least one dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine before 20 weeks of pregnancy.
The CDC in August recommended additional doses of the Pifzer and Moderna vaccines for people who are “moderately to severely immunocompromised” because they might not have received the same immunity as people without weakened immune systems. People in this category should get an additional dose at least 28 days after getting the second dose of the vaccine.
Read Also: Is There A Vaccine For Avian Flu
Where To Get A Flu Shot In Bismarck
As the epidemic continues to spread throughout the country, now is the to get vaccinated against influenza, a potentially dangerous and sometimes fatal illness. According to the North Dakota Department of Health, there have been 24 cases of the flu reported in 2014.
In 2012-13, there were a total of 4,833 reported cases of influenza in the state.
There are a number of locations around the Bismarck-Mandan area where you can receive your flu vaccination. As always, you should call ahead to make sure vaccinations are still available.
Sanford Health
We Don’t Want To Have Flu Cases On Top Of Covid Cases Stretching Our Hospital Capacity So That’s Why It’s Important To Be Vaccinated Said Molly Howell State Immunization Manager
BISMARCK North Dakota officials on Monday, Sept. 27, strongly advocated for people to get the influenza vaccine to spare additional pressure on already overburdened hospitals in the state.
Gov. Doug Burgum urged residents to receive a flu shot to help preserve hospital capacity and to protect vulnerable populations and the health care system.
“We want to make sure that we protect that health care system and vaccines are one of the safest and easiest ways to ensure that,” Burgum said at a news conference Monday. ” one of the miracles that have helped not just our nation, but the world achieve things that had never been achieved in the history of humankind.”
The coronavirus pandemic has pushed hospitals to the brink with the rise of the virus’ delta variant. North Dakota hospitals are experiencing staffing shortages and running out of room. As of Sunday, Sept. 26, there were just 11 available staffed ICU beds in the state.
Fearing more strain on hospitals, North Dakota urges residents to get flu shot
The large majority of the COVID-19 patients hospitalized in North Dakota are not inoculated against the virus.
“We don’t want to have flu cases on top of COVID cases stretching our hospital capacity, so that’s why it’s important to be vaccinated,” said Molly Howell, state immunization manager.
In an average year, North Dakota reports about 1,344 flu and pneumonia related deaths, Howell said.
The annual influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older.
Read Also: Is The Flu Shot Good To Get
Infectious Disease Expert: Realistic Scenario For Setting Up Field Hospitals In Nd
BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Department of Health confirmed the states first cases of the Omicron variant Monday, indicating another wave of COVID might impact North Dakota as we welcome the new year.
The Omicron variant originated in South Africa and, as of today, has spread at least as far as North Dakota.
Health officials say with flu season here and Omicron looming on the horizon, hospitals throughout the state might be forced to take extreme measures.
Infectious disease experts in Bismarck say this winter might be worse than last year for patient hospitalizations.
I think people need to be prepared for another rough winter. And the reason why I say that is not so much because Omicron is around the corner and potentially going to cause another surge, but it turns out, theres more information now that influenza is coming on back, said Dr. Noe Mateo, infectious disease specialist for Sanford Health in Bismarck.
Last year, influenza cases were way down due to social distancing and masks. This year, influenza is back to pre-pandemic levels, and so are multiple strains of COVID.
The confounding factor here has been COVID, so on any given day, anywhere to 30 to about 40 percent of our patients tend to be COVID. So those are patients in any other year we hadnt seen, said Mike Delfs, CEO at Jamestown Regional Medical Center.
Dr. Mateo says another spike in COVID cases alongside flu cases could cause hospitals to take extreme measures.
Most Read
Flu Shot Appointment Tips
Please follow these suggestions to make your flu shot go efficiently:
- You must be feeling well at the time of your flu vaccination and must not have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days or have a COVID-19 test pending.
- Wear a face covering during your vaccination.
- Bring your insurance card to your appointment.
- Dress yourself and family members in short-sleeved shirts.
Recommended Reading: 24 Hour Flu Like Symptoms
Does Cvs At Sanford Florida Offer Flu Shots
Flu shots are available at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations, including CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations found in Target, every day, including evenings and weekends. Schedule your flu shot ahead of time so you can get in and out faster. Provide your insurance information and answer questions online ahead of time. Find more flu shot FAQs and other flu vaccination resources.
*FOR FLU SHOTS: Flu shots available when immunizing pharmacist or MinuteClinic health care provider is on duty. Age restrictions apply. Eligible patients will not pay any copayments unless otherwise required by their plan, including Medicare Part B. Back
*FOR FLU SHOT RECOMMENDATION: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Frequently asked influenza questions: 2020-2021 season. Updated July 28, 2020. Available at: . Accessed August 3, 2020. Back
Sanford Bismarck Events To Offer Covid
Media Contact:701-516-4903erin.johnson92@outlook.com
BISMARCK, N.D. Sanford Health is offering COVID-19 and flu vaccines at organized events this week. Vaccinations for patients 12 years old and older will be offered at Sanford Ninth Street Special Care Unit during the following times:
- Tuesday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m. 1:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, Sept. 22, 1:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m.
The Pfizer vaccine will be provided both days while the Johnson and Johnson vaccine will be available Tuesday only.
The Pfizer vaccine has been approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the Food and Drug Administration to be administered to patients 12 years old and older. The Johnson and Johnson vaccine has been approved for those 18 years old and older.
The flu shot is available for healthy adults and children, including pregnant women. The nasal mist flu vaccine will not be available at the vaccination events.
Appointments are recommended but not required. To schedule an appointment visit sanfordhealth.org or by using My Sanford Chart. Individuals do not have to be Sanford Health patients to receive vaccinations.
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, .
Those who do not wish to receive a flu vaccination on one of the above listed dates can schedule an appointment with their primary care provider Monday through Friday or visit a Sanford Health walk-in clinic on weekdays, weekends or holidays.
Read Also: What Is In The Flu Shot
Sanford Health In Bismarck Offering Drive
FILE This Jan. 23, 2020 file photo shows a patient receiving a flu vaccination in Mesquite, Texas. On Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the vaccine has been more than 50% effective in preventing flu illness severe enough to send a child to the doctors office. Health experts consider that pretty good.
Faqs: Getting Your Covid
We know the COVID-19 vaccine is top of mind for everyone right now. To help address any questions or confusion, weve compiled the best and latest resources available from Sanford Health.
In this new day of hope, we also extend sincere gratitude to this generous community. Thank you for standing with us and keeping our caregivers safe, strong and supported as they work to care for our families and communities.
- How will I be notified about vaccine availability?
If youre a Sanford patient, you will be notified via My Sanford Chart message, a letter in the mail and a voice or text message when its time to schedule your vaccine appointment.
Once notified, you can schedule your appointment by calling the phone number included in your notification or by calling your primary care provider.
Tip: Your My Sanford Chart account available online and through a free mobile app is the fastest way to communicate and set up your appointment. Make sure yours is active!
Also Check: Can You Get A Flu Shot While Sick
Flu Vaccine Information At York Hospital
Flu Season is upon us, and this year it is just as important as ever to make sure you get your flu shot! For your convenience, York Hospital is scheduling Drive-Thru Flu Vaccine Clinics at the York Hospital Vaccine & Testing Drive-Thru location , 343 U.S. Route 1, York.
No appointments are necessary. Scheduled clinic dates and times are as follows:
Friday, October 1, 12 pm 6 pm Thursday, October 21, 1:30 pm 6 pm Friday, October 22, 1:30 pm 6 pm Thursday, October 28, 1:30 pm 6 pm Friday, October 29, 1:30 pm 6 pm Thursday, November 18, 1:30 pm 6 pm
You will need to fill out a Flu consent form, which can be downloaded and filled out ahead of time. For all the details, continue reading here!
Both the high dose flu vaccine and standard dose vaccines are available.
For additional information about how you may receive your flu shot at our various provider practice locations, .
Who Should Get The Flu Vaccine
According to the CDC, everyone age 6 months and older should get vaccinated every fall.
These groups should prioritize getting vaccinated because theyre at an increased risk of serious flu complications:
- Children. The flu can be life-threatening to children.
- Pregnant women. Getting the vaccine protects pregnant women from serious flu complications and passes on antibodies to their babies. Learn more.
- People 65 and older. Most flu hospitalizations and deaths occur in patients age 65 and older. Learn more.
Read Also: How To Inject Flu Vaccine
Sanford: 97% Of Workforce Complying With Vaccine Mandate
BISMARCK, N.D. Sanford Health, a dominant provider of health care in the Upper Midwest, said that 97% of its workforce has complied with a mandate to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Monday or potentially lose their job.
Sanford announced in July it was mandating COVID vaccinations for all its employees, citing the spread of more contagious variants.
The health care provider has 46 hospitals, 1,500 physicians and more than 200 Good Samaritan Society senior care locations in 26 states and 10 countries. It is based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and has major medical centers in Fargo and Bismarck, North Dakota, and Bemidji, Minnesota.
The company, which bills itself as one of the largest rural health care systems in the country, has a total of about 48,000 employees. Based on its estimates, fewer than 1,500 employees system-wide remained unvaccinated.
More than 90% of clinicians and 70% of nurses in the organization were already fully vaccinated when the mandate was announced this summer, system officials said. Sanford officials on Friday would only provide the overall vaccination rate among all employees.
The vaccine mandate has worked, Dr. Doug Griffin, Sanfords vice president and medical officer in Fargo, said in a statement. As a result of our high employee vaccination rate, we have also seen a decline in Covid-19 infections and sick leave among staff.
Associated Press writer Dave Kolpack contributed from Fargo, North Dakota.
How Many Vaccines Are There
Three COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Others are still being developed.
Pharmaceutical company Pfizer’s vaccine was approved first. It is a two-dose vaccine, with a 21-day waiting period between doses. The vaccine requires ultra-cold storage and comes in shipments of 1,000 doses. Moderna, another pharmaceutical company, had its vaccine approved a week after Pfizer’s. The Moderna vaccine also is two doses, but with a 28-day waiting period between. It requires frozen storage, similar to how the chicken pox vaccine is stored, and comes in shipments of 100 doses. It is available for ages 18 and up.
Both vaccines are about 95% effective, according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
The COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson is one dose and uses refrigerator storage, making it easier to transport than the other vaccines. In a global trial, the vaccine was found to be 85% effective at preventing severe COVID-19 and 100% effective at preventing hospitalization and death. It was approved for use in people 18 and older.
Use of the J& J vaccine was paused for 11 days to allow federal officials to further research its safety. Scientific advisers ultimately decided the vaccines benefits outweigh a rare risk of blood clots. Use has been reinstated both federally and in North Dakota.
Read Also: Flu Symptoms For Over A Week
How Much Does The Vaccine Cost
Those providing the vaccine through the CDC’s vaccination program can charge an administration fee but may bill only insurance. Providers “may not seek any reimbursement” from vaccine recipients, according to the CDC. People who are uninsured and cannot pay the fee cannot be turned away, according to a state Health Department COVID-19 vaccine fact sheet found at .
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, the state’s largest health insurer, will cover 100% of administration fees, a spokeswoman said.
What Are Potential Side Effects
The available vaccines have common side effects, according to the manufacturers. They include:
- Pain, swelling or redness at the injection site
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Nausea
Some cases of severe allergic reactions to the vaccine have been reported. The risk of having an allergic reaction to the Pifzer COVID-19 vaccine is about 5 in 1 million, and 2.8 in 1 million for the Moderna vaccine, according to the CDC. As a comparison, the risk of an allergic reaction after a flu shot is about 1 in 1 million. The risk of contracting COVID-19 or dying from it is much greater than the risk of experiencing an allergic reaction from the vaccine. About 1 in 600 North Dakotans have died with COVID-19, 1 in 215 have been hospitalized and 1 in 8 have contracted the virus, state Immunization Program Manager Molly Howell said.
The state Health Department reported two suspected cases of anaphylaxis in late December. One was not classified as anaphylaxis, and the other is still pending, Howell said. The federal government investigates adverse reactions, and more information will be published on the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System Website at vaers.hhs.gov.
Myocarditis is more likely to occur in teen boys after vaccination. However, the risk of getting the condition from a COVID-19 infection is much higher than getting it from the vaccine. Post-COVID-19 myocarditis is also more severe than myocarditis that occurs after vaccination, Howell said.
Recommended Reading: Time Of Year To Get Flu Shot
What Can I Do After Being Vaccinated
The CDC has released information on what someone can do safely after being fully vaccinated. Someone is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after getting the second Pfizer or Moderna shot or two weeks after the single Johnson & Johnson shot.
The federal agency said fully vaccinated people can resume activities they did before the pandemic, but should wear a mask indoors if they are in an area of substantial or high COVID-19 transmission due to the delta variant.
More information can be found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html.
Reach Sam Nelson at 701-250-8264 or .
Flu Shot Clinics In Bismarck
Its that time of the year again!
NDPERS has partnered with the UND Center for Family Medicine in Bismarck to offer Flu Vaccination Clinics this fall for members in Bismarck and Mandan. These events are exclusively for NDPERS covered employees, retirees, and their eligible family members enrolled in the NDPERS Sanford Health Insurance plan.
The next ones are on Wednesday, October 7 and Friday, October 9 at the UND Center for Family Medicine located at 701 E Rosser Ave, Bismarck. To reserve your spot, click below to complete your registration online:
Recommended Reading: Osom Rapid Flu Test Instructions