(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Please get vaccinated for COVID-19 and the flu, and get your booster. Encourage your family and friends to get vaccinated and boosted when they’re eligible. And don’t delay the care you need. It’s safe to go to a RUSH hospital or location near you. RUSH is doing everything possible to ensure we’re meeting all of our patients’ needs. We have already taken many steps to increase access to safe, quality care — in-person or virtually.

If you’re uncertain about the type and urgency of care you need, talk with your provider, as RUSH plans for the continued care of patients requiring medically necessary procedures and surgeries.

What You Can Do To Help

• Wear a mask: Find out which one is best
• Stay socially distanced in public as much as possible
• Get a booster shot, if you’re eligible and haven’t already
• Get tested if you feel sick or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19
• Remember to save your vaccine card and keep a copy with you in accordance with the new Chicago vaccine requirement. If you were vaccinated at Rush, here’s how to access your virtual vaccine card

Don’t Delay Your Care

• Pursue readily available alternatives to the Emergency Department for testing and non-emergency care to avoid increased, surge-related wait times
• Consult with a RUSH On Demand provider via e-visits and on-demand video visits, or get prompt, in-person treatment at home from experienced medical providers through DispatchHealth
• For patients with scheduled care who have questions about their provider’s availability during the surge, it’s best to call their provider to confirm
• For the latest information about COVID-19 and the vaccine, please visit rush.edu/vaccine