The best protection against the flu

Getting a yearly flu vaccine is the best protection against flu infection for everyone age 6 months or older.

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

Each year, respiratory illnesses are responsible for millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States. In addition to the virus that causes influenza (flu), there are many other types of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The good news is there are actions you can take to help protect yourself and others from health risks caused by respiratory viruses.  

We are expecting a severe flu season this year. Based on data from other countries, there is concern that one of the strains of the flu virus has changed or mutated enough to make it significantly different from the strain that was chosen for this year’s flu vaccine. It is important to remember that no matter which strains of flu circulate here, the current flu vaccine covers several strains and still offers the best protection from developing serious illness and hospitalization.   

The best protection against respiratory illnesses is vaccination. Vaccines can prevent the worst symptoms and help keep you out of the hospital if you do become sick. If you have questions about any of the vaccines that can help prevent respiratory illness, please don’t hesitate to reach out and speak with one of our public health nurses. They are always happy to talk with you and answer any questions you may have.    Call 360-378-4474 and ask to speak with a nurse. 

Flu isn’t the only respiratory illness circling. Staying up to date on COVID-19 and RSV vaccines (for those who are eligible) is also an important step to take to protect yourself and those around you.  For adults who have insurance, please reach out to your primary health care provider to see if they have COVID-19 and influenza (flu) vaccines available for you. You may also contact your local pharmacy to see if they have availability:   

• Friday Harbor Drug on San Juan Island can be reached by calling (360) 378-4421 – you can also schedule a vaccine appointment on their website (if vaccine is available)  
• Ray’s Pharmacy in Eastsound can be reached by calling (360) 376-2230 – you can also schedule a vaccine appointment on their website (if vaccine is available)  
• Lopez Island Pharmacy on Lopez Island can be reached by calling (360) 468-2616 – you can also schedule a vaccine appointment on their website (if vaccine is available)  

Alternatively, you may be able to schedule a vaccine appointment at an off-island pharmacy.   

San Juan County Health & Community Services (HCS) has appointments for children through the age of 18 years and uninsured adults available for COVID-19 and influenza (flu) vaccines at our regularly scheduled clinics on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Islands. As a friendly reminder, HCS can only vaccinate children through the age of 18 years and adults who do not have insurance. You can schedule your appointment through our website or over the phone at 360-378-4474.  

HCS has a limited amount of adult and pediatric RSV vaccines. For infants and some young children, and for adults without insurance, please call our office at 360-378-4474 or check our website to inquire about RSV vaccine availability. For those adults who have insurance, please reach out to your primary health care provider to see if they have RSV vaccines available for you. You may also contact your local pharmacy to see if they have availability.   

Relevant URLs:  

• Immunization Clinics | San Juan County 
• Public Health Clinic Sliding Fee Scale | SJC 
• COVID-19 Vaccine Information | DOH 
• Flu Overview | DOH 
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) | DOH 

About San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services

San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services is responsible for community and environmental health, mental health and substance abuse programs, senior services, affordable housing projects, and more. The department has staff and offices on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Islands. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1777/Health-Community-Services.