Opinion

Flu season is underway, and health officials are urging Texans to get their vaccinations as soon as possible, since it takes about two weeks for the shot to take effect. “Because influenza can be a very serious disease, we recommend that all individuals aged 6 months and older get their flu vaccine every year,” said Dr. Jennifer Shuford, interim commissioner for the Texas Department of State Health Services. “The flu vaccines for the 2022-2023 flu season have undergone substantial changes since last season, which will allow them to better protect against the flu viruses that are currently circulating,” she said. “So it is important to go get this season’s flu vaccine before flu activity increases even more in Texas.” People over the age of 65 have a choice of three recommended higher-dose flu vaccines, which are considered more effective for this age group. People can also safely get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster at the same time they get the infl uenza vaccine, Shuford said.

Texas has deployed state resources to Florida to assist in response and recovery efforts in the aftermath of the devastation caused last week by Hurricane Ian, one of the most powerful storms to hit the United States in the past decade. “Texans understand the urgency of hurricane disaster response and recovery efforts, and our state is swiftly sending more support and resources to Florida as they continue responding to Hurricane Ian,” Gov. Greg Abbott said.

The Bedias Civic Club offers 1st Thursday potlucks, and 2nd Tuesday movies at the civic center. Please go to, www.facebook. com/BediasCivic-ClubAssoc, for more information. Mayor Gwen also shares that the civic assoc. will sponsor their Annual Trunk or Treat, Saturday, Oct.

Madison County has been blessed with good doctors through the years. Today I’m writing about Dr. J.B. Heath because he was exceptional and I owe him. He delivered me at birth and gave me excellent care for many years. We currently have some of his photos and diplomas on display in Madison County Museum.

Hello Friends and Neighbors! Since I believe in total transparency in government, I decided to make a deliberate effort to keep you, the citizens of Madison County, as informed as possible. It has been almost two months since I was appointed by the Commissioners Court to fill the unexpired term of our dear friend, the late Honorable Judge Tony Leago.

The U.S. Census Bureau released its latest estimate, which indicates Hispanic residents in Texas make up more of the state’s population than white residents. The new population figures from the American Community Survey indicate Hispanic Texans comprise 40.2% of the state’s population last year, while non-Hispanic white Texans made up 39.4%, as reported in the Texas Tribune.