COVID cases are increasing and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) bed availability is the lowest since the pandemic started. That has prompted the Fishers Health Department to increase hours available for vaccinations, as well as encouraging first vaccinations and booster shots.
The Fishers Vaccination Clinic is located at 12520 E. 116th Street, just east of Brooks School Road, and is extending hours to 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 28 through Thursday, December 30. That site has administered more than 82,000 vaccine doses since its opening earlier this year.
“We are absolutely at a point – again – where we are asking residents and Hoosiers everywhere to take this situation seriously,” said Monica Heltz, public health director for Fishers Health Department, in a city news release. “The number one way to protect yourself and loved ones is to complete your vaccination round and get boosted when eligible. The omicron variant is directly impacting our hospitals and health care systems and these measures can help alleviate this pressure. By the very nature of this virus, new variants will continue to develop until we take vaccinations and boosters seriously.”
In the entire state of Indiana, ICU bed availability at 12.2 percent, the lowest rate since the beginning of the pandemic. In District 5, which represents Central Indiana, the availability number is even lower at 7 percent.
“Not only are these numbers sobering, but they’re real. By opening the vaccination site to more hours this week, we hope we can capture those who might have time off or more flexibility to be able to make an appointment or walk-in,” said Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness. “This is one step each of us can take to protect ourselves and our loved ones.”
For more information on the steps you can take on how to protect yourself and loved ones from the omicron variant can be found at this link. The FHD continues to support CDC recommendations for protection from COVID that include vaccination, masking up, and avoiding large indoor or poorly ventilated gatherings.
Sadly, too many Indiana residents think the pandemic will not effect them. Guess what? It has and it will continue to do so. Get vaccinated!