Health officials advise residents to get flu shots

OLYMPIA — School has started, fall has arrived and flu season has returned.

So the Washington State Department of Health is advising everyone to get vaccinated this year as soon as possible.

“Getting vaccinated every year against the flu is essential to protecting yourself and your family from this very serious illness,” said Kathy Lofy, State Health Officer.

“Flu vaccines to protect you this fall and winter are available at many pharmacies and healthcare providers. Everyone 6 months and older, even healthy teens and young adults, should get vaccinated,” Lofy said.

According to a Health Department news release, influenza is a highly contagious and serious disease that can cause moderate to severe illness, and can lead to hospitalization and even be fatal. Last flu season, 296 people in Washington died from influenza-related conditions, the department said.

“Last year was one of the most severe flu seasons on record for Washington, and data just released shows only 61 percent of Washington children and teens were vaccinated. It’s important for us to protect each other this year. Flu vaccine is available everywhere. Don’t wait – get the vaccine for protection now,” Lofy said.

Lofy said that young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions and people 65 years and older are at higher risk from complications of flu, though anyone can get flu, including healthy young people.

The State Department of Health said it provides all recommended vaccines at no cost for kids from birth through age 18, available through health care providers across the state. Providers may charge an office visit fee or a vaccine administration fee, however any family that can’t afford to pay can ask that the administration fee be waived, the department added.

Most health insurance providers cover the cost of flu vaccinations, which are widely available at pharmacies, clinics, and physicians’ offices. For more information or for help finding a health care provider or an immunization clinic, or to learn the signs and symptoms of flu, visit KnockOutFlu.org.

Charles H. Featherstone can be reached via email at countygvt@columbiabasinherald.com.