It’s more important than ever to get vaccinated against the flu. The flu vaccine can keep you from getting sick or spreading the flu to others during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s especially important this year to help keep our hospitals from being overwhelmed. The Washington State Department of Health recommends a yearly flu vaccination for everyone six months and older, including pregnant and nursing women, and people at higher risk for flu complications. Even children learning online should get a flu vaccine.

It’s not too late to get your flu vaccine for this season. Flu vaccines are widely available at many locations near you, and clinics are taking extra steps to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit vaccinefinder.org to find a flu vaccine provider location near you. Flu vaccines for adults are covered by most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare part B, and all children aged 18 and under in Washington can get a flu vaccine and other recommended vaccines at no cost. The provider may charge a fee (called an administration fee) to give the vaccine. You can ask them to waive this fee if you cannot afford it. If you do not have health insurance, you may be able to get a flu vaccine at no cost. Check with Public Health – Seattle King County for more information, or visit one of these 23 participating Safeway and Albertsons locations for a no-cost flu vaccine.

You can also help prevent both flu and COVID-19 by frequently washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, covering your coughs and sneezes, staying home when sick, and wearing cloth face coverings when around other people. For more information, visit knockoutflu.org.