Arizona Gov. Ducey announces aggressive plan to expand access to flu vaccine

Governor Doug Ducey held a conference on August 31st 2020 on the same day that Arizona reported 174 new covid cases but no new deaths. Ducey urged Arizonans to get a flu shot. Ducey also responded to criticism about him not wearing a mask. The conference was all about the flu season as Ducey said preventing the flu is more important than ever before. That is because this flu season creates more challenges with the double whammy of covid outbreak.

700 people die from the flu each year in Arizona and in 2019, the state had more than 36,000 cases of flu, the highest ever. Ducey and Arizona Department of Health Director Doctor Cara Christ went on to stress the importance of getting a flu vaccination and said the flu shot is the single best way to prevent the flu. A flu vaccination reduces symptoms and the amount of time a person is contagious.

In an effort to expand access to vaccinations, they will be available to the underinsured and uninsured. The vaccines will also be available at some covid testing sites. With this upcoming flu season and with covid still circulating in the communities, there is a potential that Arizona healthcare system could be overwhelmed. That is why it is critical for Arizona to take proactive steps to prevent the spread of both diseases.

Christ warns that with flu season with covid, hospitals run the risk of being overwhelmed.

In 2019, Arizona had more than 36,000 cases of flu, the highest ever. Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) will follow up covid guidance complaints with law enforcement. The number of total covid cases since the pandemic began stands at 201,835. The number of deaths remains 5,029 after officials realized a death had been counted twice.

Hospitalizations, including ventilator and intensive care unit bed usage, continue to inch downward. Ducey also responded to criticism about his recent trip to Washington, D.C. where he was spotted not wearing a mask. Ducey said the event was outdoors. When Ducey is indoors, he wears a mask. Ducey says he is not wearing one while taking questions from reporters because the deaf community said they need to read his lips, in addition to the American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter.

Meanwhile, a bar near Arizona State University in Tempe became the third metro Phoenix establishment to have its liquor license suspended over the weekend for violating requirements to reopen under covid protocol.

State health officials have been watching for bars that are in violation of social distancing, masking, dancing, standing, and table occupancy limitations in Ducey’s executive order issued June 29th 2020. In general, the number of covid infections is thought to be higher because many people have not been tested. Studies suggest people can be infected without feeling sick.

For most people, covid causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in a few weeks. But for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.