Conley Publishing Group

MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is encouraging everyone to get vaccinated against influenza (flu) this fall.
In a press release sent out Friday, DHS explained that the flu vaccine is another layer of protection to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death from a preventable disease.

“In the last year, we’ve learned some valuable lessons about respiratory viruses,” said Tom Haupt, DHS influenza surveillance coordinator. “It’s critical that we do everything we can to prevent influenza — like getting your flu vaccine. When Wisconsinites work together on good public health behaviors, like vaccination, physical distancing, and hand washing, we can stop the spread of respiratory viruses like influenza.”

Haupt recommends children and adults get the vaccine now to be protected before flu season gets into full swing.

People can get the flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine, whether it’s their first or second dose, or a booster.

“This fall and winter, the flu is likely to make a comeback, and I encourage all Wisconsinites to protect themselves by getting vaccinated,” said Paula Tran, state health officer and administrator of the DHS Division of Public Health. “When you do, you’re also protecting the most vulnerable people in your life.

While the flu vaccine is safe and effective, and strongly recommended for those 6 months old and older, there are people who are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill if they get the flu. Those include: Children under 6 months old Pregnant people People 65 and older, especially those in congregate living settings People with chronic health conditions, such as asthma or heart disease Visit www.dhs.wisconsin. gov/influenza/prevention.htm for information on how to get your flu vaccine.

Eighteen months ago, the world ground to a halt, and for one brief moment, Rotary paused along with it. In March 2020, the magazine stopped the presses on its May issue in order to include a newly written message from 2019-20 RI President Mark Maloney.

“Throughout early March, the news about COVID-19 became increasingly serious throughout the world,” he explained. “We asked all Rotary districts and clubs to curb face-to-face meetings until further notice and to hold virtual meetings instead.” Then Maloney kicked things back into gear: “The world is changing rapidly,” he wrote, “and so must Rotary. Our adaptability and strength will help us navigate this experience.”

Rotarians everywhere responded to Maloney’s call to action. In some cases, they had even anticipated it. By the time that May issue landed in mailboxes, many clubs had already shifted to virtual meetings, and members worldwide were providing on-the-ground support for health care workers, communities in need, and the people most susceptible to the pandemic’s reach.

In June 2020, we published our first roundup of COVID-related projects, and in July, 2020-21 RI President Holger Knaack noted in his first magazine message that “every great challenge is an opportunity for renewal and growth.” In that same issue, we showed how Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative had been drawing on their experience to respond to the pandemic, and in August, we told personal stories from 10 frontline workers around the world — nine Rotarians and one Rotaractor who, despite the grave risk to their own health, stepped forward to offer assistance, comfort, and inspiration.