As flu season approaches, Clark County Public Health Director Alan Melnick urges all eligible individuals to get their flu vaccine now, especially people 65 and older.
As Clark County residents have stopped social distancing because of the COVID-19 pandemic, annual influenza-related deaths are rising in the area. Before the pandemic, the county saw 15 flu-related deaths in the 2017-18 season. The numbers stayed at five or fewer from 2019 to 2022 but rose back to 14 deaths during the 2022-23 flu season.
“As long as our people are out and about and not social distancing and masking like they were before, we’re likely to [see more] influenza. It’s a respiratory illness. That’s how it’s spread,” Melnick said.
Given the unpredictability of flu season, Melnick stressed the importance of early vaccination. The flu season technically begins when 10% or more of influenza tests are positive.
“The reason this is important is it’s not that predictable, and that’s why people should get their flu vaccine now because it can take up to two weeks to build immunity from the flu shot,” Melnick said.
Melnick particularly emphasized the heightened risk flu poses to seniors, citing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data indicating 70% to 85% of flu-related deaths occur among individuals ages 65 or older. Underlying illnesses, including heart or lung disease, are made severely worse by influenza. Melnick emphasized that virtually any underlying illness, from diabetes to asthma, can be made worse by influenza.
“Your immunity is not as great as it was when you were a young, healthy adult. … Even if you haven’t had a history of lung disease, you’re still more at risk for pneumonia,” Melnick said.
While seniors are more vulnerable, Melnick emphasized the importance of everyone getting the vaccine, noting how contagious the flu is. The flu vaccine remains one of the best methods to prevent its spread. Even if flu season peaks in January, Melnick said getting the shot now will last through the upcoming flu season. Additional preventative measures, such as staying home when sick, hand-washing and mask-wearing are also encouraged.
“We certainly see flu outbreaks in long-term care facilities … where you have congregate settings where you have seniors there. So it’s important to get vaccinated, not only to protect yourself but people around you, and that goes for young people, also. We want young people to get vaccinated because we don’t want them to spread the disease to grandma and grandpa. So, there’s a reason for all of us to get vaccinated,” Melnick said. “... Don’t just get the flu shot for yourself. Get it for everybody around you. We need to put a cocoon around our senior population to help protect them.”
Everyone 6 months or older is eligible for the vaccine. Those unsure of their risk should contact their physician or health care provider. Additionally, the Washington State Department of Health recommends those 65 or older receive a higher dose or adjuvanted influenza vaccines from their health care providers. Residents can get vaccinated by contacting their health care provider or local pharmacy, and they can find nearby locations at vaccinefinder.org. Clark County residents may also be eligible for low-cost options through Sea Mar Community Health, with more information available at seamar.org/services-clark.html.
Free clinics at various locations, including Free Clinics of Southwest Washington and Battle Ground HealthCare, are also available for residents. People can find out if they qualify at freeclinics.org and bghealthcare.org/see-if-you-qualify. Residents can find more resources at clark.wa.gov/public-health/immunization.
