OLYMPIA, Wash. — State health experts say the flu vaccine should be considered “essential” this year.
As colder weather creeps in, so does flu season.
The state Department of Health says the presence of both the flu and COVID-19 virus could put more people in the hospital and strain Washington’s health care system.
The department is recommending everyone over 6 months old get a flu shot this year.
The vaccine is available at pharmacies across the state and they are often offered at no cost.