Essentia Health partners with HHS and local health care providers to encourage protection from respiratory illnesses

On Monday, September 23, Essentia Health joined representatives from North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS), Fargo Cass Public Health (FCPH), Sanford Health and other local health partners for an important community message encouraging North Dakotans to prepare for the upcoming respiratory illness season.

Local physicians and health professionals discussed this season's top respiratory illnesses, immunization recommendations and options, and the importance of individuals talking to a trusted health care provider about strategies supporting their individual health.

Joseph Halvorson, a nurse practitioner and section chair of internal medicine at Essentia Health in Fargo, focused on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and adult immunization recommendations.

"To become the healthiest state in the nation, it's important for all North Dakotans to be engaged in making decisions to safeguard their health and well-being," said State Health Officer Dr. Nizar Wehbi. "Fall and winter are a great time to connect with your trusted health care provider and discuss routine health screenings and immunizations."

Severe illness from flu, COVID-19 and RSV can lead to missed work and school days, doctor appointments, hospitalizations and increased health care costs.

"As we enter respiratory season, vaccines are our best defense against serious illness from viruses like influenza, COVID-19 and RSV," said Sanford Health Medical Director of Infection Prevention Dr. Avish Nagpal. "By getting vaccinated, you're not just protecting yourself—you're helping to protect vulnerable populations as well as your family and friends."

"Infants and young children are especially vulnerable because their immune systems aren't fully developed yet, so it is important to talk to a trusted health care provider about immunizations," said Dr. Tracie Newman, pediatrician and Health Officer for FCPH. "Nutrition, hand hygiene and immunizations help young people thrive."

Data on flu, COVID-19 and RSV can be found on the HHS website beginning in October. Flu and COVID immunizations have recently been updated to better protect against the dominant strains.

"Older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems can be particularly prone to complications associated with infectious illnesses like RSV," said Halvorson. "The RSV vaccine for adults over 60 has only been available for a little over a year, so many people have not heard about or obtained it yet. Now is a great time to do so."

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended annually for all people ages 6 months and older. Generally, only one lifetime dose of RSV immunization is recommended for older adults, pregnant women, infants and young children. A second dose may be recommended for some high-risk children.

Good hand hygiene, cleaning frequently used surfaces and covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze also help prevent the spread of disease. Sick individuals should stay home to recover and prevent spreading disease to others.

Flu, RSV and COVID-19 immunizations are generally covered by insurance. The Vaccines for Children program provides free to low-cost vaccines for children who are American Indian, Medicaid-eligible, uninsured or underinsured. HHS also has programs to provide some free vaccines to uninsured adults.

Immunizations are available at clinics, local public health and pharmacies. Talk to a trusted health care provider about which immunizations are right for you and go to hhs.nd.gov/health/respiratory-illnesses to learn more.

At Essentia, patients can receive any of their immunizations through their primary care provider or at any of our walk-in clinics. You do not need to be a patient of Essentia to visit one of our walk-in clinics to receive immunizations.

Appointments can be made by calling (701) 364-8900 or going through the MyChart patient portal to schedule online or through the mobile app. For more information about flu vaccines, please visit essentiahealth.org/flu.

The following organizations are joining together to encourage North Dakotans to talk to a trusted health care provider about strategies to support their health this respiratory illness season: Essentia Health, HHS, Sanford Health, FCPH, Foundation for a Healthy North Dakota, Family HealthCare and North Dakota State University (NDSU) Center for Immunization Research and Education and Center for Collaboration and Advancement in Pharmacy.