Spokane Officials Recommend Flu Shots Before Halloween
Peak flu activity is approaching, and waiting until the new year could mean delaying vaccination.
Spokane Regional Health District officials are urging residents to get a flu vaccine before Halloween as the season’s busiest period approaches. Flu cases in the Spokane area are higher than they were at this point in previous years, and infections generally reach their highest levels from January through mid-March. Getting vaccinated in the fall gives the body about two weeks to build protection.
The vaccine cannot guarantee that someone will avoid flu, but it lowers the chances of hospitalization, serious illness and complications such as pneumonia. So far this season, 8% of Spokane County residents have received a flu shot. Health officials say that level is common early in the season, while vaccination rates have gradually declined in recent years.
Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone at least 6 months old. Adults 65 and older are advised to consider Fluzone High Dose, which contains four times the antigen in a standard dose and is designed to produce a stronger immune response in older adults. Health officials say vaccination remains the strongest way to reduce severe flu illness and related hospital stays across age groups.
- Get vaccinated before Halloween.
- Flu cases typically peak January through mid-March.
- 8% of Spokane County residents have received a shot.
- Vaccination is recommended for people 6 months and older.
- Adults 65 and older can consider Fluzone High Dose.
Source: KXLY ↗
Summarized from the reporting above. Read it for the full story.
An AI receptionist that answers your business calls around the clock, so no lead goes to voicemail.
See how it works →
Get briefs like this by email