FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nov. 30, 2021 

  

IHA, ISMA, ISNA Urge Hoosiers to Get COVID Vaccine this Holiday Season as Hospitalizations Surge 

  

INDIANAPOLIS – As statewide hospitalizations surge, the Indiana Hospital Association (IHA), Indiana State Medical Association (ISMA), and Indiana State Nurses Association (ISNA) are urging Hoosiers who are not yet vaccinated to get their shots this holiday season to relieve pressure on the health care system and ensure safe gatherings.

 

“COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising dramatically in Indiana, increasing 66% over the past three weeks and approaching 75% of the peak of the pandemic Indiana faced last November. In addition to the rapid increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations, in which the vast majority are unvaccinated, hospitals are caring for more critically ill patients than ever before. Clinical data indicates that patients have more complex conditions than before the pandemic and have longer lengths of stay. In addition, emergency room visits are on the rise, which puts further strain on the system. Should the current trends continue, everyone in need of health care could be impacted. We urge all Hoosiers who have not yet received a vaccine or who are eligible to get a booster to do so before winter arrives to ensure a hospital bed is available for all in need. The COVID-19 vaccine has proven to be safe and effective at reducing hospitalizations and death and the best way to reduce your risk of serious illness and protect your friends and family is to get vaccinated before gathering for the holidays.”

 

###

ABOUT INDIANA HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
The Indiana Hospital Association serves as the professional trade association for more than 170 acute care, critical access, behavioral health, and other specialized hospitals in Indiana. IHA advocates on behalf of its members in Indiana’s General Assembly, U.S. Congress, and with multiple regulatory agencies at the state and federal levels. Dedicated to improving quality, patient safety, and Hoosiers’ health status, IHA holds numerous grants and facilitates collaboration among hospitals to improve outcomes. IHA also provides members with the data analytics that they need to ensure access to quality, cost-effective health care services across the state of Indiana. 

INDIANA STATE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
With more than 8,500 members, the Indiana State Medical Association​ (ISMA) is the largest physician organization in the state and is dedicated to maximizing physician impact to drive the future of health care in Indiana. 
 
INDIANA STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION
Founded in 1903, the Indiana State Nurses Association is a leading network of registered nurses dedicated to policy, practice and advocacy.​