Stronger Together Oregon: Why Get the Flu Vaccine?
This blog post is by Ari O’Donovan, Boost’s diversity outreach manager.
Taking care of yourself and your family is extremely important. In fact, it has never been more important than during the COVID-19 pandemic. Practices like wearing masks in public, washing hands often and for at least 20 seconds, and avoiding large gatherings are all ways we can protect ourselves and those we love. Over the past 9 months, we’ve learned that health outcomes for those affected by COVID-19 can be serious, particularly for the elderly and small children.
What about Black communities? African-Americans are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Black people are more likely to be exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 due to type of employment, lack of eligibility for sick days and paid time off, an inability to work from home, and other systemic and social factors. African-Americans are more likely to receive poor quality care if admitted to the hospital for COVID-19 symptoms and to die from complications.
So what can we do to change health outcomes for Black and other at-risk communities of color? In the long term, we will need to keep pushing toward social justice, equality, and an end to systemic racism. One step at a time, we can get there. 2020 has truly shown us the resilience we all have as a collective working towards good.
How can you improve your health outcome and protect your family? Get vaccinated against the flu. It’s fast and easy. Right now, it’s the best way to keep yourself and your loved ones from developing serious complications or dying from a vaccine-preventable disease during a pandemic. I made sure to get my flu shot right away. I know the COVID-19 pandemic is serious and so is the flu. I want to keep myself and my family from developing either or both diseases.
COVID-19 puts us all at risk of getting sick. I can’t imagine also being unprotected against the flu. So, I decided to be a flu fighter! Join me, and let’s be stronger together Oregon!