AUGUST 9, 2021 – The highly contagious delta variant of COVID is surging across our region. Delta puts unvaccinated people at higher risk of serious illness or death. Delta also can be spread by vaccinated people. Here’s what you need to know for your health from Dr. Jennifer Fischer, Director of Emergency Medicine at NH+C:

The OB/GYN providers of NH+C's Women's Health Center answer questions about vaccination against COVID-19:

 I’m pregnant. Should I get vaccinated?

Jessica Bohren is a certified nurse midwife . . . and a breastfeeding mom. Here’s what her COVID vaccination experience was like.

“It was a really hard decision for me to get vaccinated while breastfeeding. My original plan was to wait another month or two as more people got vaccinated, so I could see that everyone was doing okay with it.”

Betsy Spethmann’s son has disabilities that put him at high risk from COVID. For more than a year, the only people in the same room with him were his parents and siblings. “When I got my first shot, I cried – because I knew that it meant that my son would be able to be safe.”

NH+C encourages everyone who medically can, to be vaccinated. For anyone 12 and older, call to make an appointment: 507-646-8019

JUNE 14, 2021 – Northfield Hospital + Clinics is allowing more visitors to the hospital and the Long Term Care Center.

All visitors must be masked and keep social distance. Visitors with any COVID symptoms are not allowed.

In the Long Term Care Center:

JUNE 1, 2021 -- NH+C has completed construction on a major expansion of its Birth Center. New features include a Water Birth Suite; spacious new labor & delivery and post-partum rooms; new nursery; expanded waiting room. All spaces have modern design, state-of-the-art equipment, and thoughtful amenities. (See photos below.)

We want to enhance this fresh new space with artistic photographs of newborn babies, and pregnant women.

NH+C is hosting an open call for local photographers who would like to have their photo(s) considered for display in the Birth Center.

MAY 24, 2021 -- Now that youth ages 12 and older are being vaccinated against COVID, parents have new questions. Pediatrician Ben Flannery, MD answers common questions about COVID vaccination for youth. 

The FDA approved Pfizer vaccine for youth 12-15 on May 10. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends vaccination for this age group.

Chris Smith has seen a lot of people coming into the Emergency Department sick with COVID “really struggling, trying to breathe. It’s really hard to see people distressed like that.” With vaccination, “we’re edging closer to the lives we have before all of this.”

NH+C encourages everyone who medically can, to be vaccinated. For anyone 12 and older, call to make an appointment: 507-646-8019

Marilyn Maas spends a lot of time with her grandkids. “I couldn’t stand not being around them. Getting the vaccination was a big part of that for me . . . I feel more confident, and I feel safer.”

NH+C encourages everyone who medically can, to be vaccinated. For anyone 12 and older, call to make an appointment: 507-646-8019

Dr. Jennifer Fischer knows that people worry about vaccine side effects . . . but getting COVID puts your out of commission (and maybe into the hospital) longer. Vaccination is “definitely the lesser of two inconveniences.”

NH+C encourages everyone who medically can, to be vaccinated. For anyone 12 and older, call to make an appointment: 507-646-8019