Influenza vaccination specifically encouraged by health authorities this season

Public health officials and medical professionals are calling on people to be vaccinated against influenza each year this year, hoping to avoid outbreaks during a long-term COVID-19 pandemic.

Alongside the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the flu epidemic is a “cold” that health officials are trying to avoid. Dr. Gregory Poland, a Mayo Clinic vaccination expert, sent a call from the Mayo Clinic News Network earlier this week to explain why influenza vaccination is so important. He said annual flu vaccination is especially important this season.

“Where COVID-19 is widespread, the flu is very likely to be widespread,” says Dr. Poland.

The flu vaccine does not prevent COVID-19, but it helps reduce the chances of getting the flu, he added.

“The symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu almost exactly overlap with the first symptoms, except for the loss of smell and taste,” says Dr. Poland. “It’s very rare in the flu.”

Vaccination against the flu can help eliminate flu and reduce stress on your health care system in the event of respiratory problems.

Everyone over six months needs the flu vaccine, according to a preliminary report distributed by the State Department of Health last week highlighting the importance of this year’s flu shots. Infants, pregnant women, people with underlying illness, and people over the age of 65 are at increased risk of influenza complications.

“Think of it as essential to get the flu vaccine this year,” said Dr. Kathy Loffy, director of health at Washington State. “We need to get the flu vaccine right now to protect ourselves and the community while overcoming this pandemic together.”

Washington provides all recommended vaccines free of charge to children from birth to the age of 18.

“Influenza vaccines are available everywhere, and many pharmacies now allow young patients to be vaccinated in their families. Our healthcare professionals need everyone’s help — the flu vaccine. The decision to inoculate is more important than ever, “Dr. Lofy added.

According to the State Department of Health:

■ It is best to get your family vaccinated against the flu by October. Pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals will follow new safety measures for vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic.

■ In Washington, influenza vaccines and other recommended vaccines are available free of charge to all children under the age of 19. Providers may charge an administration fee to get the vaccine. If you can’t afford it, you can ask them to give up this fee.

■ Most insurance plans, including Medike Apartment B, cover the cost of an adult flu vaccine. ■ The website vacuumfinder.org offers nearby influenza vaccination providers by entering your zip code.

When the Hoquiam or Aberdeen zip code was provided, the website gave three results regarding the harbor. The Grays Harbor County Public Health Service in Montesano and the Safeway and Wal-Mart Pharmacy in Aberdeen.

When asked by the county health department on Thursday afternoon if they were vaccinated against the flu Daily world People were told, “You need to contact your local pharmacy or primary care physician about the flu shot.”

Safeway and Walmart, on the other hand, offer flu shots, both trying to be safe with a pandemic in mind. In short, influenza vaccination clinics need a mask, among other safety measures.

Last week, Safeway went to the point of offering a drive-up flu shot clinic to the parking lot of Rainier Lanes one morning. The clinic has partnered with a supermarket for that effort. According to Safeway officials, the event attracted “about 50” drive-up customers.

This was part of Safeway’s corporate pilot program this year, which also included the Port Angeles Drive-Up Clinic.

But if you miss it, Safeway offers flu shots from 1 pm to 8 pm on weekdays and from 10:20 am to 5 pm on Saturdays. Vaccines for uninsured patients cost $ 36, and the high doses required for patients over the age of 65 are $ 54.

Wal-Mart also offers regular walk-in clinics for people seeking flu shots. It will be held on Tuesdays from 7am to 11am and Thursdays from 2pm to 6pm. The uninsured fee is $ 36.88 for regular doses and $ 75 for high doses.

The Walk-in Clinic at Swanson’s store in South Aberdeen also offers shots. The cost is $ 40, but many insurances, including Medicare, cover it. There are no powerful shots in the clinic. Business hours are 9 AM to 5:30 PM.