Flu activity was kept low last season because of vaccination, social distancing, masking, school closures, and limited travel. Now that pandemic restrictions are lifting, and flu has a much higher chance of spreading. We can all do our part to prevent illness and hospitalizations caused by flu by getting vaccinated.
The flu vaccine is your best protection against flu. DOH recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone aged six months and older, including pregnant and nursing women. If you are 65 or older, talk to your provider about flu vaccines and other important vaccines for your age group. The flu vaccine does NOT protect against coronavirus, colds, or other viruses that cause respiratory illness.
It’s best to get your family vaccinated for flu by October, but the flu vaccine is still available through winter.
- In Washington, all children under age 19 get flu vaccines and other recommended vaccines at no cost.
- The provider may charge an administration fee to give the vaccine. You can ask them to waive this fee if you cannot afford it.
- Most insurance plans, including Medicare part B, cover the cost of flu vaccines for adults.
- Talk to your local health department for information about other no-cost flu vaccine options that may be available in your community
To find a flu vaccine,
- Call your doctor, nurse, or clinic
- Visit your local pharmacy
- Check the Flu Vaccine Finder
- Contact your local health department
- Call the Help Me Grow Washington Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.
