Brevard Health and Business Leaders Take Initiative to Prevent Flu on the Space Coast

3-2-1 FLU SHOT LIFT OFF!

During the 2019-2020 influenza season in Florida, Brevard County had a mortality rate of 11.44 per 100,000 people

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – The Health Council of East Central Florida, in partnership with a variety of community organizations, launched the 321 Flu Shot Lift Off campaign with a goal of increasing the rate of influenza vaccinations throughout Brevard County.

This unique collaboration between local hospitals and health systems, pharmacies, health insurance companies, safety net programs, the Florida Department of Health in Brevard County, multiple municipalities, Brevard County leaders, local media, and many others provides an opportunity for a widespread message regarding the importance of flu vaccines during a critical time when healthcare providers continue to battle COVID-19.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we must remain vigilant during our fall and winter months,” said Andy Romine, President, Rockledge Regional Medical Center.

The Florida Department of Health, which tracks influenza and influenza-like illnesses (ILI) is reporting that, for now, flu remains at a relatively low level in Brevard County.

“This is typically the time of the year when flu-related hospitalizations along with ICU bed utilization begins to increase. This, in combination with COVID-19, has the potential to strain the resources of our hospital systems here in Brevard County,” said Romine.

Brevard County health and medical professionals remind everyone that we have a well-studied and well-proven, efficacious, and safe vaccine available for influenza.

“Flu vaccinations not only decrease infection rates but also minimize adverse outcomes should you get the flu,” said Maria Stahl, Florida Department of Health in Brevard County Administrator.

“Reducing the number of people requiring hospitalization due to the flu allows greater hospitalization capacity for others who require hospitalization due to COVID-19 or other reasons. And, getting a flu shot is yet another way to maintain a stable workforce for small and large businesses who are helping Brevard County recover from the negative impact of business shutdowns earlier this year.”

During the 2019-2020 influenza season in Florida, Brevard County had a mortality rate of 11.44 per 100,000 people, according to Florida Health Charts.

With a new influenza season having the potential to coincide with a COVID-19 surge, our goal is to take every measure to reduce that rate this year.

“The flu vaccine has been shown to significantly reduce hospitalizations in both children and adults who may be infected with the virus. We need to be as proactive as possible at reducing influenza-related hospitalizations this flu season. Getting a flu shot is the best way to accomplish this,” said Romine.

Special thanks go to the 321FluShotLiftOff Partner Organizations for helping to make this program possible:

Florida Department of Health in Brevard County, Rockledge Regional Medical Center, Health First Medical Group,  Alliant Health, One Senior Place, VIP America Home Health Referrals, Consulate Healthcare, Health Council of East Central Florida, One Senior Place, Florida Hospital Association, Satellite Beach Fire Department, Space Coast Health Foundation and Yates & Associates Public Relations & Marketing.

To learn more about the 321 Flu Shot Lift Off campaign or to support the program to vaccinate residents of Brevard County against influenza, contact Sam Yates, Yates & Associates, Public Relations & Marketing at 772-528-5185 or visit 321FluShotLiftOff.com

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