CHI St. Joseph’s Community Health is contracted as the Public Health Agent for Hubbard County, MN. We work to promote a healthy and safe community, and we respond to public health threats and emergencies. Community Health has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic under the guidance of the Minnesota Department of Health, including case investigations, essential services, and consultations and support with local health care, schools, and businesses as they dealt with the impacts of the pandemic.
Since January 1st, Community Health has administered over 4000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine. In total, 7,988 Hubbard County residents, and 2,885,499 Minnesotans aged 16+ have received at least one dose of vaccine. The current Hubbard County vaccination rate is 46%, compared with 64% for the state. Community Health and other community health care providers continue to vaccinate and make the vaccine easily accessible to anyone who wishes to receive it.
While the COVID-19 vaccines were developed faster than other vaccines in history, they still underwent the same rigorous safety assessment as any other vaccine used in the United States. These vaccines are available quickly because science and health experts responded swiftly to a deadly public health crisis, and vaccine development was prioritized.
COVID-19 vaccines do not contain a live virus, so they cannot make you ill or cause you to shed virus or be contagious. The COVID-19 vaccines also do not contain mercury, aluminum, preservatives, microchips, tracer technology, fetal tissue, stem cells, or luciferace. A full listing of vaccine ingredients is available on the Centers for Disease Control website.
COVID-19 vaccines are not mandatory. COVID-19 vaccines are provided free of charge.
The COVID vaccines available are incredibly effective at preventing even mild disease, but especially severe COVID-19, hospitalizations, and deaths. Across the US and Minnesota, as vaccination rates have increased, positivity rates, hospitalizations, and deaths have decreased. The COVID vaccines are safe, and their effectiveness and safety are continuously and rigorously monitored.
The residents of Hubbard County, just like across the state of Minnesota, have suffered during this pandemic. Illness, death, loss of income, school closures, social isolation, just to name a few. Increased vaccination rates will help the communities in Hubbard County grow and thrive.
Misinformation and disinformation persist about these vaccines, and it is understandable that people will have questions. CHI St. Joseph’s Community Health is available to answer questions and provide resources for accurate vaccine information. You can also contact your own health care provider. This information can help you make an informed decision about receiving the vaccine.
If you have questions or would like to arrange for vaccine for yourself or a group, please contact our office at 218-237-5464.
Marlee Morrison, PHN
Community Health Director
CHI St. Joseph’s Health