Fargo Cass Public Heath postpones shingles vaccine clinic

In an effort to adhere to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for social distancing, Fargo Cass Public Health (FCPH) has postponed the Shingrix shingles vaccine clinic previously scheduled for Friday, March 27.

FCPH Immunization Coordinator Jessica Leitch says, “Seniors are the highest risk population for COVID-19. We want to encourage social distancing for all age groups but to focus on keeping our seniors safe, we are postponing events where they may be encouraged to congregate for a non-essential service.” According to CDC, people who are at higher risk from severe illness include older adults and those who have underlying medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.

CDC recommendations for illness prevention remain unchanged:

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home if you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze into a tissue or use your arm

The practice of social distancing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus has been recommended at local, state and federal levels. Social distancing includes avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people as well as avoiding discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits. 

FCPH reminds the community to rely on credible sources of information, including the North Dakota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.