The Berks County Commissioners held their weekly COVID-19 update Wednesday afternoon, this week focusing on the importance of getting the flu vaccine this fall, in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Members of the Berks County COVID-19 Medical Advisory Panel will joined the commissioners to discuss the vaccine, offering education about the vaccine, addressing myths and providing information about where to go to get the flu shot.
Panelist addressed how the upcoming flu season will affect the COVID-19 pandemic and what people can do to prepare for the potential “double whammy?”.
Speakers also discussed how COVID-19 precautions affecting the way the flu shot will be distributed this year, and how are medical providers adjusting.
Speakers included:
- Dr. Debra Powell, MD – Section Chief for Infectious Diseases and Medical Director for Infection Prevention at Tower Health/Reading Hospital. Dr. Powell has been a frequent spokesperson for Tower on issues related to COVID-19 in the media and during town halls and other events.
- Dr. Michael Baxter, MD – Past Chair of Berks County Medical Society. Past Chair of Tower Health Family and Community Medicine.
- Dr. Jeffrey Held – Vice President, Medical Affairs for Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center. Dr. Held is PSH St Joseph’s clinical liaison with the County Commission and the Berks County community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
