Health Officials Recommend Getting Flu Shots Early

Mariann Patnode with the Yakima County Health District says it is not too early to get a flu shot.

Patnode says everyone six months of age and older should be vaccinated as soon as possible.

“We used to tell people to wait to get a flu shot until later in the year but that’s no longer the case because the vaccine is much more effective.”

The flu season hits the Yakima Valley December through February so Patnode says that people who are vaccinated now will be fully protected when the flu season starts.

Besides the regular flu shot there is a high-dose vaccine for people 65 and older and a nasal spray vaccine for healthy people ages 2-49. There is also a vaccine that has a much smaller needle than regular flu shots.

Patnode says flu shots are available throughout the community and at this year's Central Washington State Fair.