St. Charles, five other health providers unite in a joint message: Vaccines are safe, and we are here to answer questions
KTVZ
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As respiratory virus season arrives in Central Oregon, providers from six local health care organizations are joining together to share an important message about vaccination.
Six health care organizations – St. Charles Health System, Deschutes County Health Services, COPA (Central Oregon Pediatric Associates), Mosaic Community Health, Summit Health, Praxis Health – released a joint video message Tuesday to emphasize the importance of vaccines, and to reassure the community that providers are ready to answer any questions, they said Tuesday.
“Our message is simple: Vaccines are safe, effective and they protect the health of our community, including the most vulnerable. We also recognize that people may have questions about vaccinations, and we want Central Oregonians to know that we are here to listen,” said Deschutes County Health Officer Dr. Richard Fawcett.
The message comes at a time when vaccine rates are decreasing across the United States and here in Oregon.
“Our voices are more powerful together. We want our community to see that health care providers in Central Oregon stand together,” said Dr. Carey Allen, clinical division director of primary care medicine for St. Charles. “Above all, we care about the health of our patients and our community.”