As respiratory virus season arrives in Central Oregon, providers from local health care organizations are joining together to share an important message about vaccination. Six health care organizations are releasing a joint video message to emphasize the importance of vaccines and to reassure the community that providers are ready to answer any questions.
“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.”
About St. Charles Health System:
St. Charles Health System, Inc., headquartered in Bend, owns and operates St. Charles Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond. It also owns family care and specialty clinics in Bend, La Pine, Madras, Prineville, Redmond and Sisters. St. Charles is a private, nonprofit Oregon corporation and is the largest employer in Central Oregon with more than 5,000 caregivers. In addition, there are more than 400 active medical staff members and nearly 200 visiting medical staff members who partner with the health system to provide a wide range of care and service to our communities.
