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PAG Reaches Out to Public to Pay It Forward: Stop the Spread

Posted 5/05/21 (Wed)

 

On Wednesday, May 5th the NDMA Physican Advisory Group (NDMA PAG) submitted an appeal to the public asking for continued compliance in taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including becoming immunized. The letter was submitted by the NDMA PAG chair Dr. Joan Connell.

 

Joan Connell, MD

NDMA Physician Advisory Group Chair

 

Pay It Forward: Stop the Spread

Immunizations Work to Reach Herd Immunity

As the state’s COVID-19 emergency order is now lifted, and as public health advocates, the North Dakota Medical Association Physician Advisory Group (NDMA PAG) takes this opportunity to help get the word out on moving forward to stop the spread.

It has been an exhausting year and as we all hope for pre-pandemic normalcy this virus has not crossed the finish line. Although deaths have decreased, the infection persists. Like a thief, the virus catches its victims off guard. The fear factor of “how sick will I get” is real. The fear of not being able to breathe. The fear of hospitalization. The fear of being a long hauler. And yes - the fear of death.

The virus can be stopped in its tracks with herd immunity. Two main pathways to herd immunity are: 1) becoming infected or 2) getting the vaccine. Vaccines are by far the safer approach compared to the risks of contracting the disease firsthand. Time is of the essence and here is why. When COVID-19 continues to spread from host to host, variants develop, making herd immunity more difficult as people can be re-infected and vaccines may become less effective.

Let’s not give up and lose hope. Vaccines are getting us closer to a solution and are the best chance for ending the pandemic, but it is important to know that not everyone is eligible to receive the vaccine.

One group without protections is children under the age of 16 years. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to authorize the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children 12 to 15 years beginning mid-May. This comes on the cusp of the increase in new infection rates among children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than a fifth of new coronavirus infections occurring in the states are children. Just one year ago, children made up only around 3 percent of the total cases.

Some other classes of the population that do not qualify for vaccine protection include:

• Immunocompromised individuals;
• Those with a significant history of allergic reactions.

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT COVID-19 AND THE VACCINE

• Getting infected with COVID-19 may offer some protection, known as natural immunity. Current evidence suggests that reinfection with the virus that causes COVID-19 is uncommon in the months after initial infection but may increase with time.
• COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you by creating an antibody response without having to experience sickness and the risk of severe illness and death.
• Getting vaccinated helps protect people around you, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
• The vaccine far outweighs any benefits of natural immunity.

 

WHAT YOU CAN DO

The NDMA PAG kindly asks the eligible public to help North Dakota reach its herd immunity goal by pitching in and choosing to be vaccinated - the number one approach to immunity. It is a chance to pay it forward and help protect those not medically eligible to receive the vaccine: the less healthy individuals and our children.

 

TAKE ACTION NOW

The NDMA PAG encourages the following prevention measures:

• Get vaccinated.
• Wear a face covering, following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance.
• Practice social distancing.
• Avoid crowds.
• Practice good hygiene.
• Quarantine if you feel sick or are exposed to an individual with COVID-19.

 

Stay strong, North Dakotans. Know we are here to support your best health.

 

Sincere regards,

Joan Connell, MD

NDMA Physician Advisory Group Chair

 

The North Dakota Medical Association’s Physician Advisory Group (PAG) includes 61 physicians and 44 local public health personnel.