As flu season begins, health providers are urging the community to stay up to date on their vaccinations, even if they may be feeling a bit burnt out on shots.
Almost five years after the pandemic began, many people are experiencing vaccine fatigue, as the constant upkeep with vaccines for COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory viruses may feel overwhelming. Dr. Kathryn Glassberg, an internist at Kaiser Permanente Northwest, urges people to protect themselves, their loved ones and other vulnerable populations from illnesses as we venture further into flu season.
“It was a really trying time for a lot of people, and I think it’s hard to keep thinking about it, frankly. So, you know, people talk about COVID fatigue in that way. And therefore, they may not consider getting a new fall vaccine,” Glassberg said. “Coming out of the pandemic, many folks want to get ‘back to normal’ and may be less apt to consider the ongoing health risks of circulating viruses. COVID is now one of those normal viruses, and we have great protection available with the vaccine.”
Glassberg said she is witnessing more severe COVID-19 cases within older populations and expects hospitalization rates to rise as flu season starts.
Flu clinics begin at Kaiser Permanente on Sept. 21, Glassberg said. Members can schedule both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment at kp.org.
Health providers throughout Clark County are offering flu and COVID-19 vaccines
by appointment with a primary care physician, including Vancouver Clinic and Legacy Health.
COVID-19, influenza and RSV vaccines are also available at Rite Aid, Safeway, CVS and Walgreens pharmacies in Clark County by appointment. (To find the closest pharmacy and schedule an appointment, visit vaccines.gov.)
Just last week, 3 percent of total hospitalizations in Clark County were related to COVID-19, according to data from Clark County Public Health. No hospitalizations related to influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, were reported last week.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has approved the use of COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older, including the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines. The Novavax vaccine is a protein subunit vaccine and is available for people 12 years and older, Public Health said.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, a viral vector vaccine, has expired and is no longer available in the country as of May 6, 2023.
“With multiple viruses circulating this fall and winter, you can protect yourself and your loved ones by getting vaccinated and practicing healthy behaviors,” Glassberg said in a news release. “For individuals with underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease or lung disease, it is essential they have an action plan as we head into viral respiratory season to help keep them healthy and out of the hospital.”
