Essentia partners with Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health, local health care partners to encourage protection from respiratory illnesses

On Monday, Sept. 22, Essentia Health joined representatives from Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health (BBPH), CHI St. Alexius Health, Sanford Health and other area 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.

Dr. Amy Juelson, a pediatrician and section chair of pediatrics at Essentia Health-Mid Dakota Bismarck Gateway Clinic, focused on influenza and pediatric immunization recommendations.

“Each year, influenza leads to thousands of pediatric hospitalizations across the U.S., and many of these cases are preventable,” said Dr. Juelson. “Vaccinating children is especially important as they’re often the ones who spread germs quickly through schools and households. I encourage parents to talk to a trusted health care provider about this safe and highly effective option.”

Severe illness from flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 can lead to missed workdays, school and event absences, unplanned doctor visits, hospitalizations and increased health care costs. Vaccination can help prevent severe complications from respiratory illnesses and, in some cases, may also prevent infection.

“Respiratory illnesses affect all ages, and prevention is something we can each take part in. Getting recommended vaccines and practicing good hygiene are safe, effective ways to reduce the risk of serious illness,” said Renae Moch, director of BBPH.

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.

Immunizations are available at clinics, local public health and pharmacies. Talk to a trusted health care provider about which immunizations are right for you.

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 our toll-free number at (844) 380-5642 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 with their health care providers about strategies to support their health this respiratory season: Essentia Health, BBPH, Western Plains Public Health, Sanford Health, CHI St. Alexius Health, Foundation for a Healthy North Dakota, North Dakota Pharmacy Service Corporation, Mandan Public Schools, Nurturing Wellness Pediatrics, Family Voices of North Dakota, NDSU Center for Collaboration and Advancement of Pharmacy, United Tribes Technical College, North Dakota Long Term Care Association, NDSU School of Nursing at Sanford Bismarck, UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences Center for Family Medicine Bismarck, North Dakota Hospital Association, North Dakota University System, AARP North Dakota, NDSU Center for Immunization Research and Education and North Dakota’s Gateway to Science.