MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Jackson Health System has reached a historic milestone, achieving an estimated 80% flu vaccination rate among its workers — the highest ever — according to Martha Baker, a Jackson Health System nurse and president of SEIU Local 1991.
The union represents Jackson’s nurses, doctors, and healthcare workers.
It comes at a critical time as the nation grapples with one of the worst flu seasons in 15 years according to data posted Friday morning by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“We were vaccinated at like 80%, around there, which is our best ever, and at a good time because this is supposed to be the worst flu season in 15 years,” said Baker. “We are not having the batches of sick calls in our clinical settings, which is excellent for our patients and our teammates.”
Baker added that the high vaccination rate was the result of a collaborative effort between the union and Jackson Health’s administration.
“We are proud that we got to 80%. It was an initiative of both the union and administration to get there, so it is rewarding,: she said. “Any stressor on your body can throw you in the wrong direction again so I think it is smart to get the shot.”
The flu season in South Florida has been marked by an uptick in cases, with a recent outbreak in Broward County and Miami-Dade’s Baptist Health seeing increased flu-related visits at urgent care centers.
The Florida Department of Health’s latest data of a county-by-county case review shows a decrease in overall flu positivity rates.
“We are lucky not to be facing the staffing shortages seen at some other hospitals,” Baker said. “Before the pandemic, I was maybe a little hesitant on the flu vaccine, but when COVID came along, and you saw people die, it really opened my eyes. I would be a big proponent of getting the flu shot.”
Baker said Dr. Dave Woolsey, an attending physician at Jackson Health’s Emergency Room and the union’s Vice President, emphasized the importance of vaccinations for healthcare workers and caregivers.
“Even if it just saves one patient’s life, it has a great impact if the caregivers are not the carriers of the flu and are healthy enough to take care of the patients who need our help,” he said.
Recently released data from state health officials suggests flu positivity rates are trending downward in South Florida.
However, Baptist Health told Local 10 News it is seeing an uptick in flu cases at its urgent care centers, while Memorial Healthcare System says its emergency departments have experienced a “significant increase in flu-related visits.”
According to Dr. Randy Katz, district medical director of emergency services at Memorial Healthcare System, flu cases across its facilities have risen sharply, from about 200 Influenza A cases just before Thanksgiving to nearly 600 cases in the first week of February.
The flu can cause serious complications, particularly for young children, older adults, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
“We strongly recommend getting the annual flu vaccine, practicing good hand hygiene, and staying home if you are feeling unwell,” Katz said in a statement. “If you experience severe flu symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, or high fever that does not subside, seek medical care immediately.”
Broward Health officials reported a decrease in flu cases, with January seeing 682 cases compared to 252 in February.
Health officials continue to stress the importance of preventive measures to help curb the spread of the virus, urging residents to stay vigilant as flu cases remain high.
Sanjay Gupta, a doctor at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, also noted, “Now, keep in mind, if you get a vaccine, it takes about two weeks to actually get the immunity from the vaccine for those antibodies to build up in your body.”
The high vaccination rate at Jackson Health has contributed to a stable workforce during a challenging flu season, ensuring that healthcare professionals are available to care for patients in need.
As concerns about the flu continue, the Florida Department of Health offers guidance on how to recognize symptoms and what to do if you’re infected. According to the department, flu symptoms include:
- Body aches and pains
- Cough and chest discomfort, which may become severe
- Early and significant exhaustion
- Fatigue and weakness lasting up to 2-3 weeks
- Headache
- High fever (102-104 degrees F) lasting 3-4 days
- Occasional stuffy nose, sneezing, and sore throat
If you catch the flu, the Department of Health recommends staying home until at least 24 hours after your fever subsides without the use of fever-reducing medications, or after symptoms have improved (typically 4-5 days after the onset of symptoms).
It’s also important to stay hydrated, rest, and avoid sharing cups or eating utensils.
Over-the-counter cold or cough medications may relieve some symptoms, but consulting with your doctor is advised.
Additionally, experts continue to weigh the benefits of prescribing antiviral treatments like Tamiflu during peak flu season. A 2005 article from The New England Journal of Medicine explores this topic, offering insights into the risks and benefits of over-prescribing such medications during flu outbreaks.