It has been almost two years since the COVID-19 pandemic impacted us all, and almost six months since we last shared with you the importance of vaccination. We have seen many changes to procedures and daily life — adapting as we learn new information. Like us, viruses also learn ways to adapt. There is an emergence of a new COVID-19 variant called Delta. Viruses change and adapt overtime, acting in new ways. The longer a virus circulates, the more it can change. This is called a variant. As the Delta variant has emerged, we would like to encourage you to get your COVID-19 vaccinations.
Below are some facts about the Delta variant from the Centers for Disease Control:
- The Delta variant is more contagious
- Some data suggest the Delta variant might cause more severe illness than previous variants in unvaccinated people
- Unvaccinated people remain the greatest concern
- Fully vaccinated people with Delta variant breakthrough infections can spread the virus to others. However, vaccinated people appear to spread the virus for a shorter time
- Vaccines in the US are highly effective, including against the Delta variant
Medical student at PCOM, member of Alpha Phi Alpha, and Penn Memory Center community partner Frederick Okoye shared his thought on the COVID-19 vaccination. “It’s just peace of mind. It’s just looking out for your fellow man or woman in your communities. Looking out for our elderly, looking out for our immunocompromised. It’s doing your civil duty.” Okoye said. “If you’re lucky enough to get the vaccine, I strongly encourage anybody to do so.”
You can learn more about Penn Medicine’s vaccination operations here. You can also learn more about vaccinations locations across Philadelphia here.
In addition to getting your COVID-19 vaccinations, don’t forget your seasonal flu vaccine. With the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever to get your flu shot. Penn Medicine shares this about the flu shot:
“This year, due to the coronavirus, it is essential to get your flu shot. As the seasonal flu overlaps with coronavirus cases, there may be a surge of sick patients across the country that crowd and put more pressure on doctors and hospitals. The potential for a “twindemic” of COVID-19 and influenza is especially concerning. By getting a flu shot, you’re helping to prevent a twindemic and protecting yourself and others around you.” You can schedule flu vaccination through Penn Medicine here. Also, you can schedule your flu shot at your local pharmacy or with your primary care provider.