It’s time to for everyone 6 months and older to get their annual vaccination against the influenza (flu) virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best time to get the flu vaccine is between September and the end of October, BEFORE flu season arrives. Once you’ve received the flu shot, it takes 2 weeks for the body to develop enough protection against the flu virus.  

Flu and the COVID pandemic 

By getting your flu shot, you lower the risk of serious flu-related illness and hospital visits. As COVID-19 continues to put a strain on hospital resources, we all want to make sure there isn’t more impact on hospitals caused by the flu. 

Getting a flu vaccine is the best protection against flu, and getting a COVID-19 vaccine is the best protection against COVID-19. Each vaccine builds the body’s defense against the different viruses. Everyone who can get vaccinated is strongly encouraged to get the vaccine against BOTH viruses. Learn more  

Vaccines for children  

Vaccines are essential for protecting children against serious but preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella and whooping cough. Some diseases, like smallpox, have been completely stamped out thanks to vaccines.  

There are many reasons to make sure your child is current on their vaccinations: 

• Vaccinations can save your child’s life 
• Vaccinations are safe and effective 
• Vaccines help protect those who cannot get vaccinated 
• Vaccinations reduce costs and time away from school and work 
• Vaccines protect future generations 

Learn more  

Keeping recommended vaccinations up-to-date helps keep children and adults healthy by helping the body fight against diseases. Neighborcare Health offers many of the vaccinations you and your family need at our neighborhood medical clinics and school-based health centers throughout Seattle and on Vashon, including: 

• Flu shot 
• Hepatitis A 
• Chicken pox 
• Pneumonia 
• Shingles 
• Tdap or DTaP (Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis aka whooping cough)  
• And more 

Learn more about how vaccines work  

Family vaccination days at Neighborcare Health 

Vaccinations are important to the health and wellbeing of children our community. Many families have delayed getting their children up-to-date on their vaccinations because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This fall, Neighborcare Health is offering Saturday morning vaccination events to help families get caught up on their vaccinations. These events will offer vaccinations to children ages 0 – 10 in a safe, socially distance environment when there are fewer people in the clinic.  

• 10/16 – Neighborcare Health at Meridian, 8:30 AM – 1 PM 206-296-4990 
• 10/23 – Neighborcare Health at Rainier Beach, 8:30 AM – 1 PM 206-722-8444 
• 10/30 – Neighborcare Health at High Point, 8:30 AM – 1 PM  206-461-6950 

Please call the clinic to make an appointment for your family. Together, we can help protect children from serious but preventable diseases.  

Neighborcare Health is the largest provider of primary medical and dental services for low-income and uninsured families and individuals in Seattle. They serve more than 71,000 patients each year at 30 medical, dental and school-based clinics. Find a clinic in your neighborhood or call 206-548-5710. All are welcome at Neighborcare Health.