While COVID-19 hospitalizations remain at manageable levels on the Northshore, St. Tammany Health System leaders have noticed a troubling new trend among the COVID-19 inpatient population at their Covington hospital: a marked increase in the hospitalization of otherwise healthy people between the ages of 30 and 45 who have not been vaccinated.
“Over the past few months, we’ve done a great job getting the most vulnerable members of our population vaccinated, including our elderly,” STHS Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Mike Hill said. “But it’s important to realize that anyone, regardless of age or health condition, can come down with severe symptoms. The virus still out there, and it’s still a threat.”
Especially with many COVID restrictions being eased over the past few weeks in Louisiana, the best and most responsible way for anyone to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID is simple, Dr. Hill said: “Get the shot, and get it today.”
“It’s been proven. The vaccines work,” Dr. Hill said. “The best part: They’re readily available for anyone who wants one.”
St. Tammany Health System is currently administering COVID vaccines daily at its Express Care clinic on Highway 21 in Covington. Appointments are available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and should be made via the free MyChart app. Those experiencing difficulty with the app can make an appointment by calling (985)898-4001, which is answered 24/7, although anticipated heavy call volumes may result in a longer-than-usual wait during peak hours.
As of Thursday morning (June 10), STHS was reporting eight patients under COVID care, an increase of four over day-earlier figures. None had been vaccinated.
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Media inquiries about this story should be directed to STHS spokesperson Melissa Hodgson at mhodgson@stph.org.