PURPOSE: November 2021: Thankfulness

November. Nearly the close of another year. A time for reflection. A time to pause and be thankful.
 
Although the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we have much to be thankful for. Access to vaccines. Emergency authorization for a vaccine for children and teens. The opportunity to spend time with loved ones.
 
Vaccines are incredible tools to keep us safe. The science behind them is nothing short of miraculous. I encourage anyone who has not yet received their COVID-19 vaccine or booster dose to do so as we approach the holiday season — if not for yourself, for your loved ones.
 
Let’s aim to keep everyone as healthy as possible as we prepare for our seasonal gatherings. In addition to the COVID-19 vaccine, it’s also important to get your flu shot. The Health Sciences community can receive a flu shot from a primary care provider, or through walk-in appointments through WVU Medicine Student Health and WVU Medicine Urgent Care.

Dr. Lisa Costello offers information about the importance of getting your flu shot. 

I’m thankful for the access we have to these tools to keep us safe. I’m thankful for the providers and support staff who keep us healthy. And I’m thankful for the tremendous efforts and dedication of everyone, during the pandemic and always, at the Health Sciences Center.
 
As the author Melody Beattie said, "Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend."

Stay well.

Clay Marsh, M.D. 
Vice President and Executive Dean
WVU Health Sciences