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While the temperature outside may indicate otherwise, we are moving into fall with our most timely reminder, Nurture KC’s free flu clinics. In collaboration with old partners and new, we will fan out across the metro delivering free flu and covid shots to the public through our long-running partnership with Walgreens. Walk-ins are welcome at any of the ten sites, or you can schedule an appointment via the link Immunization - Nurture KC.
What once seemed like a mundane health offering has taken on renewed importance in today’s politically charged environment. Sowing doubt on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines was once a fringe activity that has moved into the mainstream with its apex at the top of the federal government. There are two campaigns to reduce the number of child vaccines in the current schedule from 17 to 11, putting Americans at greater risk for preventable diseases that can have a deleterious effect. One is a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommendation pending in federal court and the other is a directive from the President. Measles cases are at an all-time high and have resulted in death. Kindergarten compliance rates continue to decline across the country. Regardless of whether the policies stand, the damage is done through a culture change that at best, discounts the importance of vaccines and at worst, entrenches fear and distrust of vaccines and the evidence and experts that support disease prevention.
For Nurture KC, the times demand our continued visibility and advocacy in support of vaccines as the first defense in keeping Kansas Citians healthy.
I hope to see you at one of the clinics this fall!
Gratefully,
Tracy Russell
Chief Executive Officer, Nurture KC
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