As skepticism of COVID-19 vaccines continue to keep a large portion of the country’s population from taking the shots, Dr. Roger Smalligan, regional dean at the UAB Huntsville Regional Medical Campus, said he understood the apprehension.

He, too, hesitated to take one of the vaccines before he did his research and decided it was the proper course to take.

“I’m now a superfan,’’ he said at the weekly coronavirus press briefing at the Huntsville City Council chambers. “It’s heartbreaking seeing people dying of COVID.’’

Smalligan said most of the COVID-19 patients he’s attended to have expressed regret at not having been vaccinated. He, like many vaccine proponents, continued to stress the safety of the shots.

“I have not taken care of one person in the hospital throughout the pandemic due to a serious complication from the vaccine. Zero,’’ he said. “But, I have taken care of many, many patients who were deathly ill due to COVID, which we can prevent with the vaccine.

“Is it perfect — no. Are there rare side effects that can happen — yes. But most of those we can deal with. I think it’s much, much safer to go ahead and get the vaccine.’’

Smalligan said 70 percent of Madison County residents eligible for the vaccine have had at least one shot.

As of Wednesday, there have been 51,721 positive COVID-19 cases in Madison County with 676 deaths. Huntsville Hospital CEO Jeff Samz said there are currently 95 COVID-19 inpatients in his system countywide.

Of those 95 patients, 23 are in the Intensive Care Unit and 17 are on a ventilator.

“I am very pleased to share that it is half of what it was a month ago,’’ Samz said. “We’ve seen a decline of fifty percent in our inpatient census of COVID over the past month and that is wonderful.

“While we are delighted to see this decline, we continue to have pressure on the health care system. Our inpatient elective surgery schedule is coming back online but it is still partially curtailed. Most days our ICU beds are fully occupied.’’

While the numbers are trending positive, deaths because of the virus are still coming at an alarming rate.

“A sobering statistic is that we’ve had 13 deaths due to Covid just in the past three days. It remains a high mortality rate once (patients) reach the ventilator.’’

Now, concerns turn toward flu season. Last season, according to Smalligan, the flu was almost “non-existent” because of all the safety guidelines being followed for COVID-19.

This year, flags have already been raised that the flu will rage back.

“Get a flu shot,’’ urged Smalligan.

Meanwhile, Samz said he understands the re-opening of restaurants, shops and events, whether outdoor or indoor, were popular. However, he advises everyone to continue practicing safe guidelines.

“I think there’s a way to do these events and live your life safely,’’ he said. “You need to do these events. Live your life and go shopping, go to the park.

“If you’re going to be in a situation where you don’t know who you’re going to be around, then a mask is a great way to defend yourself. Being vaccinated is a great way to protect yourself.’’