Healthcare authorities in Washington and some of its neighboring states have released vaccine recommendations for this respiratory virus season.
The group, West Coast Health Alliance, says a flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months or older.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza rates are still low right now but are beginning to trend upward with the highest activity on the West Coast.
WCHA also recommends at least one COVID-19 vaccination for children six months or older and for people who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are postpartum.
Annual COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for people 65 and older, those with additional risk factors or people who wish to reduce their risk of severe illness.
The group recommends RSV vaccines for children under eight months old and those eight to 19 months olds with risk factors. RSV vaccines are also recommended for adults 75 and older, or those over 50 with certain risk factors, as well as pregnant people.
A complete list of vaccine schedule recommendations for children and adults can be found on the Washington Department of Health website.
The vaccine guidelines are meant to help the public make informed decisions about their health, said Dennis Worsham, Secretary of Health for Washington’s Department of Health, in a news release.
“Vaccination remains one of the best ways to protect ourselves and the people we care about from serious illness,” he said. “When people have trusted information and access to the tools they need, we build healthier, more resilient communities — together.”
In Washington state, all vaccines recommended by the health department are available at no cost for children and teens under 19 years old through the state’s Childhood Vaccine Program.
Uninsured Washington adults ages 19 and older can receive recommended vaccines at no cost through the Adult Vaccine Program.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are generally covered by insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid. RSV vaccines are also commonly covered by insurance.
People covered by Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) can get all vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice covered at no cost to them.
Read the audio script here.
