LEE COUNTY, Fla. — The Department of Health and Lee County are preparing for the worst this flu season. They expect an influx of COVID-19 cases this fall and want to make sure everyone is protected by bringing more health resources to local communities.
"We absolutely need to decrease the prevalence of influenza in order to preserve our health care resources so that way as COVID we can help to battle the pandemic on that front," said Jennifer Roth, Director of Communicable Diseases.
Health officials are encouraging everyone to get vaccinated this flu season. Angela Smith of DOH says there has been very little research on dual infections but assumes the outcome could be quite devastating.
"We don't know a lot about what infection with COVID and influenza look like," said Smith. In June, Lee County Commissioners allocated a portion of the CARES Act funding to repurposing several ambulances for mobile testing and vaccinations. "Some can't make it to the drive-up sites, and some can't make it to the doctor's office, so in those cases, we can help to bring it to those communities," said Brian Hamman.
About 40% of Floridians get the flu shot each year; the Department of Health says this flu season is more crucial than ever. The county is now working to bring one-stop shops to local communities. "People can come get tested, they can come get their influenza vaccination in one fellow swoop," said Smith.
Deanna Thomas lives in Southwest Florida and says she's already been vaccinated and encourages others to do the same. "It is our responsibility; I feel as just basic people besides being Christian people that we care about our fellow man," said Thomas.
