Flu Shot 'Best Defense' For WA Health Care This Season: DOH

Seattle WA

20 October, 2021

5:26 PM

Description

WASHINGTON — Washington state health officials are urging everyone to seek out a flu shot as October draws to a close, as one way to help prevent more strain on hospitals heading into the winter. While last year's flu season was exceptionally mild, which experts believe was a result of ongoing pandemic precautions, they are preparing for more activity this year with more kids back in the classroom and adults back in the office. "Preventing the spread of flu will be critical in the months to come because it will reduce additional strain on our hospitals, which are currently extremely stressed due to COVID-19," said Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, chief science officer at the Washington State Department of Health. "If you haven't received your flu vaccine yet, now is the perfect time. It will help protect you, your family and friends, and your community as we get back to doing the things we love." Related coverage: Flu Shots: Where To Find 2021 Clinics In Puget SoundUW Medicine Recommends Flu Shots To Avoid ResurgenceAnnual flu shots are recommended for everyone older than six months, and especially for young children, pregnant people, seniors and those with underlying health conditions that could be prone to serious flu-related complications. Influenza is highly contagious, and symptoms can range from mild to severe. Even healthy, young people can find themselves hospitalized or worse. "Flu illness is more dangerous than the common cold for children," DOH wrote Monday. "Each year, millions of children get sick with seasonal flu, thousands are hospitalized, and some children die from flu. Across Washington, the flu vaccine, and all recommended childhood vaccines, are available at no cost for children from birth through age 18." Earlier this week, Public Health - Seattle & King County published a list of nine things to know about the flu season this year. Experts label October as the ideal time to get a shot, before flu season ramps up and the holidays arrive, since it takes about two weeks for the body to develop antibodies. Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention permits vaccine providers to administer COVID-19 vaccines, or booster shots, at the same time as the flu shot, saving patients from taking multiple trips. Several pharmacies around Washington are already administering flu shots, and many places offer them free of charge and without an appointment. Here are a few tools to help: CVSWalgreensBartell DrugsQFCCDC's flu shot finder