During this holiday season, colder weather and increased gatherings can bring about more than just festive cheer – they also create the perfect conditions for respiratory viruses like flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
But there’s good news: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) began the Risk Less. Do More campaign to inform the public about flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines. As part of the campaign, Antrell Tyson, Regional Director of HHS, and Dr. Eric Griggs, a New Orleans-based Community Medicine Doctor and Health Educator, have teamed up to provide information on vaccines – especially to Black and African American communities.
In fact, Black adults were more likely than White and Hispanic adults to be hospitalized for flu, COVID-19, or RSV at the peak of the 2023–2024 respiratory virus season.
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy
To address this disparity, Antrell Tyson and Dr. Eric Griggs hosted satellite and Zoom interviews throughout November to discuss the importance of vaccination, especially ahead of the holiday season. The team also connected with local news stations across America to ensure accurate, evidence-based vaccine information reaches Black and African American communities.
Dr. Griggs emphasized that the most vulnerable groups are those at the age extremes – babies (6 months and younger) and seniors (65 years and older). As we age, the immune system weakens, making it harder to fight off bacteria and viruses.
“We want to protect the extremes of age and one of the best ways is to get vaccinated and take care of yourself,” said Dr. Griggs. “Risk less. Do more. And get vaccinated.”
It’s Note Too Late to Get Vaccinated
If you haven’t already received your flu or COVID-19 vaccine, it’s not too late. Talk to your doctor today about the updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines as well as treatment options.
For more information, check out cdc.gov/RiskLessDoMore.
Hear More from Dr. Eric Griggs
About Antrell Tyson: In March 2022, Antrell Tyson was appointed as Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Region IV. As a Presidential Appointee, Regional Director Tyson provides executive leadership in Region IV as the primary representative for the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The Office of the Regional Director, based in Atlanta, Georgia, is also tasked with intergovernmental and external affairs, which brings together federal, state, local and tribal government organizations, and private sector businesses. In his role, Regional Director Tyson is responsible for eight Southeastern states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, as well as the Region’s six federally recognized Tribes.
About Dr. Eric Griggs: “Doc Griggs” is the health and wellness awareness persona of Eric D. Griggs, M.D., a New Orleans-based Community Medicine Doctor and Health Educator who has dedicated his professional life to raising health and wellness awareness in communities, nationally and internationally. In addition to being recently appointed as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, he also serves in the same capacity at the LSU School of Medicine and the Xavier University College of Pharmacy. He maintains a continued role as Director of Community Medicine at Access Health Louisiana, a Federally-Qualified Health Center. Dr. Griggs proudly serves as the founder and Executive Director of the Doc Griggs Foundation, a community-driven, student-activated, and professionally mentored organization that promotes community health by empowering the community to ‘Get Checked. Get Fit. Get Moving!® Dr. Griggs currently serves as the chapter president of the 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans and is proudly a member of the national 100 Black Men of America’s Health and Wellness Committee, where is serves as the national COVID-19 Chair and spokesperson.
