Thurston County Board of Health pushes flu vaccines

Get your flu shot now. That is the message from the Thurston County Board of Health after influenza accounted for roughly 10% of all hospitalizations and emergency department visits in the county last winter. 

Only 21% of Thurston County residents have received flu shots so far this season, according to Immunization Coordinator Wendy Hurst. The county has averaged between 33% and 35% over the past three years. 

To boost immunization rates and raise awareness, the board adopted a proclamation on Tuesday, Dec. 9, declaring Dec. 8-12 as National Influenza Vaccination Week. 

"The flu is more than a seasonal inconvenience," Hurst told the board. "It's a serious and unpredictable disease that tragically claims thousands of lives and results in even more hospitalizations each year." 

Peak influenza activity in Thurston County typically occurs from December through March, with January and February seeing the highest case counts. 

Infection rates run highest among children, but adults 65 years and older face the greatest risk of complications, hospitalizations and deaths, along with individuals with underlying conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease and HIV. 

Vaccination access 

Beyond the health risks, board members raised questions about where residents can get immunized and how insurance covers the shots. 

Hurst said most residents can obtain flu vaccines through their primary care provider. Pharmacies also offer shots. Most insurance plans cover the vaccine because it appears on the nationally recommended immunization list. 

"Just call and find out if they accept your insurance, and they will get you vaccinated," Hurst said. 

Flu vaccines are available at numerous locations across Thurston County, as compiled by the county, including Safeway, Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, Costco, Fred Meyer, QFC and Haggen pharmacies in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm and Shelton. Some locations accept walk-ins, while others require appointments. 

Board of Health Chair Beth Harvey echoed the need to make immunization as accessible as possible. 

"The easier and more convenient the better, right? Get more people protected," Harvey said. 

Thurston County Commissioner and health board member Carolina Mejia, meanwhile, asked whether the county plans to revive workplace vaccination programs for employees. The Public Health and Social Services Department used to offer shots at different locations before COVID-19 disrupted the practice. 

Public Health and Social Services Department Director Dr. Jennifer Freiheit said the department lacks capacity to resume workplace clinics at this time. County Manager Leonard Hernandez added staff would research the possibility and coordinate with human resources. 

The discussion also turned to residents who remain reluctant to get vaccinated. Health board member Perla Newton raised the issue of vaccine hesitancy and asked what residents who decline immunization can do to protect themselves and others. 

Disease Control and Prevention Nurse Manager Lara Cooper recommended frequent handwashing, wearing a mask when sick and staying home when ill. 

Freiheit added that coughing or sneezing into your sleeve allows germs to desiccate and die rather than spreading via hands. 

Harvey noted antiviral treatment for influenza remains effective if administered within 48 hours of symptom onset, and Newton pointed out that combination testing kits for COVID-19 and flu are now available for purchase. 

Community protection 

Board member Clark Gilman emphasized that the vaccination effort extends beyond individual health. 

"I appreciate the fact that folks should do it for the vulnerable people or people around them, even if they personally feel invincible," said Gilman, who is also an Olympia City Councilman. "I think that's the whole idea of community." 

The proclamation noted that increasing flu vaccination rates helps reduce strain on local health care systems, preserves emergency capacity and supports community resilience during respiratory illness season. 

“Public awareness campaigns and community outreach — especially in underserved and rural areas — are critical to ensuring equitable access to flu vaccines and accurate health information,” the proclamation states. 

Hurst urged people who have not received the flu vaccine to do so. 

"By getting vaccinated, we not only reduce our own risk of illness, but we also create a healthier, safer environment for our families, friends and our neighbors," Hurst said. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flu vaccines for everyone 6 months and older.  

To find vaccination sites, residents can visit flu.gov, Vaccines.gov or the Thurston County respiratory dashboard.