Flu Season Has Arrived in Yakima—Health Officials Say It’s Flu Shot Time

It's that time of year, the flu season and here comes information from the Yakima Health District about the need to get a flu shot.

FLU CAN KILL BUT MANY ARE WILLING TO TAKE THAT CHANCE

It's a sickness that can kill. But many people who used to get a flu shot every year are now avoiding the shots because of a variety of reasons including safety and effectiveness of the shot.

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THE COVID PANDEMIC CHANGED A LOT OF MINDS

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services after the COVID-19 pandemic there's a lack of trust in healthcare and healthcare authorities. That lack of trust also is in the government and pharmaceutical companies as well.

READ MORE: BIG YAKIMA BUDGET MEETING WEDNESDAY

DESPITE THE LACK OF TRUST FLU SHOTS STILL RECOMMENDED

However if you talk to health officials at the Yakima Health District they dispute those concerns and say “vaccination remains the best protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from respiratory illnesses like the flu."

CONSIDER A FLU SHOT IF YOU'RE A HIGH RISK

With flu on the rise in the county and the state they say "it’s especially important for individuals to get vaccinated, wash hands frequently, and stay home when feeling ill."
The Yakima Health District is urging all residents aged six months and older to get vaccinated against the flu, especially those at higher risk, including young children, pregnant women, individuals with underlying health issues, and seniors aged 65 and older. So while it's the time of year to get the flu shot many people are ignoring the recommendations.