During the holiday season, the incidence of flu and COVID-19 tends to increase significantly. This rise can be attributed to family gatherings and the colder weather, both of which elevate the risk of severe illness. To address these concerns, Dr. Rebecca Stern, who serves as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases and is the Adult Ambulatory Medical Director of Infection Prevention at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, will host a Zoom call on November 21st from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
During this session, Dr. Stern will discuss the critical role that vaccinations can play in reducing hospitalizations and alleviating symptoms, particularly for those who are at higher risk. She will provide guidance on the timing and methods for vaccination, as well as share healthy practices that can help residents of Tennessee stay safe and make the most of the holiday season. For those interested in getting started with vaccinations, the website vaccines.gov is a valuable resource. Additionally, for more information on respiratory illnesses, individuals can visit cdc.gov/RiskLessDoMore or consult with their healthcare provider.