Get That Flu Shot Yakima? Health Officials Say Now is The Time

Get that flu shot yet?
Officials at the Yakima Health District say getting the flu vaccine this fall is crucial to help reduce the spread of influenza and symptoms. They say Influenza and the common cold have similar symptoms to COVID-19, the only unique symptoms that COVID-19 has are loss of taste and smell.

You may consider getting a flu and COVID-19 shot

Dr. John Lynch, an infectious-diseases physician at UW Medicine says "“What we're likely to be seeing is both things, influenza and COVID-19, at the same time." Health officials say flu activity is expected to be high in Washington State this season. The last time the state saw deaths from the flu was in the 2019-2020 flu season when 114 died of influenza. Last year no deaths were reported possibly because of the precautions taken during the pandemic.

Health officials are concerned some people will get with the flu and COVID-19

Health officials say it's possible that you could be infected with influenza and COVID-19 at the same time, which is why the Yakima Health District urges you to get vaccinated, both against the flu and COVID-19. They say it's safe to get both vaccines at the same time.
Everyone six months of age and older should get an annual flu vaccine. Young children, pregnant women, those with underlying health conditions, and people aged 65 and older are at high risk for flu-related complications. The Yakima Health District offers lots of information about vaccines especially the COVID-19 vaccine. Check the health district information at https://www.yakimacounty.us/2472/COVID-19-Vaccine