Polk County Health Department Media Release For more information: Madisun VanGundy, Public Health Communications Officer 515.286.3848 (office) 515.782.7236 (cell) Madisun.vangundy@polkcountyiowa.gov Polk County Health Department Urges Vaccination Ahead of the Holidays Polk County, Iowa and the U.S. have low vaccination rates for the flu, COVID-19 and RSV (Des Moines, IA) – Polk County Health Department urges community members to get the updated respiratory shots they are eligible for ahead of holiday celebrations. Low vaccine rates, combined with increasing levels of respiratory activity at the local, state and national level, could lead to more severe disease and increased healthcare capacity strain in the coming weeks. Immunization rates: 12.4% of Polk County residents are up-to-date with the COVID-19 Vaccine (Source) o Prior to August 31, 2023 68.5% of Polk County residents were up-to-date with the COVID-19 vaccine (Source) 26% percent of Polk County residents got the updated flu shot (Source) o 40.25% is the average flu shot rate from the past 6 years (prior to 2023) for Polk County residents (Source) 17% of adults age 60+ reported receiving an RSV vaccine (Source) Iowa is now in a “medium” hospital admission level for COVID-19. And in the past 4 weeks, hospitalizations among all age groups increased by: 250% for influenza in Iowa 58% for COVID-19 in Iowa 60% for RSV in the U.S. COVID-19 tracked in Des Moines Waste Water Surveillance, has also been at high levels the past four weeks. “With the increasing hospitalization rates we’re seeing with respiratory viruses, we urge the community to get their updated respiratory shots,” said Helen Eddy, Director of Polk County Health Department. “Getting the updated shots will not only protect you, but protect our community’s health and prevent hospital overwhelm.” Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV can result in severe disease, especially among unvaccinated persons. Infants, older adults, pregnant people, and people with certain underlying medical conditions remain at increased risk of severe COVID-19 and influenza disease. Infants and older adults remain at highest risk of severe RSV disease; it is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the United States. Vaccination for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV reduces the risk of severe disease, including pneumonia, hospitalization, and death. Vaccination for COVID-19 can also reduce the risk of MIS-C and postCOVID conditions. Polk County residents are urged to get the updated respiratory shots they are eligible for. You can schedule an appointment with your primary care provider, visit your local pharmacy, or schedule an For Immediate Release December 18, 2023
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