SEATTLE, Wash. — Flu season appears to be starting unusually early in Washington this year, prompting health experts to encourage people to get vaccinated now.
At Katterman’s Sand Point Pharmacy in Seattle, pharmacist Beverly Schaefer said staff are already busy administering flu vaccines to children and adults.
“Usually flu season hits around Thanksgiving in our part of the country, but this year it is really early,” Schaefer said. “So we’re seeing kids sick and home from school already.”
The Washington State Department of Health says seasonal flu activity remains low, but is increasing. Walgreens’ Flu Index, which tracks prescription data for antiviral medications used to treat influenza, ranks Washington second in the country for flu activity, behind Hawaii.
Early flu activity comes as the region is also seeing high levels of COVID-19 activity in wastewater.
For Seattle residents Rob and Jolene Brewer, the changing season meant another trip to the pharmacy.
“We’ve always kept our shots up,” Rob Brewer said.
Jolene Brewer said she typically waits until November for her vaccines but decided to move up her plans this year, worried about COVID-19 levels.
“I’m actually doing it about two weeks early because I usually do it in November,” she said.
Rob planned to return another time.
“I have a favorite technician I like to have giving me the shots, and she’s not here today,” he said.
At Katterman’s, Schaefer said the pharmacy orders thousands of vaccine doses for children and adults each year and also carries a needle-free flu vaccine.
“We are really, really busy doing flu shots to keep people healthy,” she said.
Washington health officials recommend an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.
Influenza can be particularly dangerous for young children and adults 65 and older.
Earlier this month, Washington recorded two flu-related deaths among seniors.
Schaefer said vaccination is one of the best steps people can take to protect themselves.
“Any attempt to prevent it is going to be worth it,” she said.
It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop its full immune response. But Schaefer said that shouldn’t be a reason to put off getting the shot as flu activity begins to increase.
Her advice is simple: get vaccinated sooner rather than later.