Bay Area Infectious Disease Expert Urges Residents To Get Vaccinated Ahead Of Flu And COVID-19 Season

As the Bay Area heads into another flu and COVID-19 season, the Medical Director of Infectious Diseases at Sutter Health told Patch on Tuesday that he is urging residents to get vaccinated and stay vigilant.

Vaccines: A Critical Tool for Community Health

Dr. Jeffrey Silvers, an Infectious Disease Specialist at Sutter Health, emphasized the importance of vaccination not just for individual protection, but for the health of the entire community.

“When you’re getting your vaccine, you’re not only protecting yourself, you’re protecting the people you live with, some of which may be older, some may be suppressed, some may be pregnant, some may be very young, some may have underlying health risks,” he told Patch. “It’s really incredibly important that people get a vaccine, and it’s also extremely important that we reach out to communities that are higher risk of severe disease.”

Dr. Silvers noted that certain groups, including Alaskan Natives, Native Americans, Latino and Black people are at higher risk for severe disease and should be prioritized for vaccination.

Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in the Bay Area

While Sutter Health has already begun administering flu vaccines, Dr. Silvers explained that COVID-19 vaccines are expected to arrive soon.

“We do not have the [COVID-19] vaccine at Sutter yet,” Dr. Silvers told Patch. “We’re anticipating to receive it probably this week, or maybe the beginning of next week.”

He recommends that residents get their flu shots in September or October, but notes that it’s never too late as long as the virus is circulating.

Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy and Myths

Dr. Silvers tackled several common myths, including the belief that the flu vaccine can cause the flu.

“The injectable type does not contain a live virus, so you can’t get the flu from that,” he told Patch. “People who have allergies to eggs are still eligible for the flu vaccine. The risk is not increased if they have an allergy to eggs, even if they have a severe allergy.”

On COVID-19 vaccine safety, Dr. Silvers praised its safety.

“The COVID vaccine is very, very safe. Everyone six months and older should have the opportunity to receive it. Does it work? Yes, it works in terms of decreasing the risk of hospitalization, decreasing the risk of death, decreasing the risk of severe disease.”

Practical Advice for Parents and Students

For parents with children in daycare or school, Dr. Silvers advised keeping sick children home and practicing good hygiene.

“If your kids are sick, please don’t send them to that environment until they start feeling better,” he told Patch. “When you go back, make sure you wash your hands, cover your mouth when you’re coughing…the alcohol gels, the hand sanitizers, those work really well for the respiratory viruses.”

He also offered guidance for college students, a group at particular risk due to communal living.

“If you’re not feeling well, please don’t give it to your friends. Wash your hands…You can be the teacher of hand hygiene to help everybody stay well, because it really feels awful to get sick like that,” Dr. Silvers told Patch.

Looking Ahead

Dr. Silvers stressed the need to follow scientifically based recommendations and to stay informed as new guidance emerges.

“We as an organization believe that everyone 6 months and older should have access to and be able to receive a COVID vaccine, and we strongly support that recommendation,” he told Patch.

He ended with a message of prevention.

“If my opinion is going to make America healthy, rather than treating disease, I want to prevent disease. Well, the vaccinations are, you know, the best creations to prevent disease. You know, it’s right up there with clean water in terms of preventing disease from my viewpoints,” he told Patch.