01-12-2022 By CaroMont Health
To the patients, families and communities we are proud to serve:
It is our mission to care for you and support you – a commitment that will never waver. That’s why we want to be upfront with you: North Carolina is at a critical juncture in the battle against COVID-19 and we need your immediate help to slow community spread of the virus.
The omicron variant is highly infectious. While it might cause mild illnesses for some people, mainly those who have been vaccinated, our hospitals are filling up fast with COVID patients – most of whom are unvaccinated. This situation is putting daily strain on our ability to care for those who have other urgent medical needs that are not COVID-related. It is heartbreaking, which is why we are reaching out to you.
With COVID-19 spreading like wildfire, your personal decisions about how to coexist with the virus directly affect the health and well-being of your family and community. Our best chance of returning to living healthy, normal lives is to make sure our families, friends and work colleagues are choosing to be vaccinated and getting their recommended booster shots.
Here is some important information to know:
• Vaccine and booster doses are readily available. They help the human immune system to be ready to recognize and fight back against COVID-19 infection. Vaccinated people are less likely to require hospitalization or die from COVID-19.
• You can get the virus again even if you had it before. Antibodies from an actual infection do not last as long as the antibodies produced in response to the vaccine, which is why vaccination is recommended even for people who have had COVID.
• Everyone ages 5 and older can get vaccinated. Everyone ages 12 years and older can also get a booster shot.
• It’s okay to have questions about vaccines. If you do, talk to a health care professional you trust.
Also please continue to practice the 3 W’s, protecting each other by wearing a mask properly covering your nose and mouth, waiting six feet apart, and washing or disinfecting hands frequently. We will eventually get past this. But first, let’s work together to contain the rapid spread of COVID-19 in our local communities and make 2022 a happy and healthy new year.
Sincerely,
Chris Peek
President and CEO of CaroMont Health
Todd Davis, MD, MMM
Executive Vice President and Chief Physician Executive for CaroMont Health
