||| FROM BRENDAN COWAN FOR DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT |||

In the time of COVID, being vaccinated against flu is especially critical. Depending on COVID and influenza case
activity, access to advanced medical care or testing may become more limited, and could cause additional strain on
our health care systems. Flu and other respiratory illness peak during the fall and winter months. Taking the time to
ensure that you and your loved ones get their flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your community.
All San Juan County residents are strongly encouraged to obtain the flu vaccine in advance of the 2020-21 flu
season (before mid-December), especially those at highest risk. San Juan County medical providers have flu shots
available and have set up additional appointment times and clinics for their patients to receive flu shots. In addition,
some local pharmacies are offering flu shots.

Please contact your primary health care provider or pharmacy directly for more information and to schedule
an appointment for your flu shot.

For detailed information about the 2020-21 flu season and why the vaccine is so critical now, please visit this page for detailed info.

In addition, San Juan County Health and Community Services is partnering with local providers and pharmacies to offer scheduled drive-through community flu vaccine events. These events will supplement the regularly offered efforts of local providers. Dates, times, and instructions on how to preregister are provided online here. Note that these offerings may expand or adjust going forward.

As always, San Juan County residents are urged to keep up to date with regularly scheduled vaccines. This is especially important for parents, their children, and islanders who are particularly high risk.

The islands have done a great job looking out for the safety of our community during the COVID crisis. Please help us avoid yet another health crisis by making sure you and your loved ones receive their flu immunizations this fall.

 

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