OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington health officials are reminding people to get a flu vaccine as flu season nears.
Health officials said 241 Washington residents died from the flu last year and many more became sick and were hospitalized.
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Officials are encouraging everyone 6 months and older, including pregnant women and healthy young adults, to get a vaccine.
"It's essential to take the flu seriously and just as essential to get a flu vaccine every year," Dr. Kathy Lofy, state health officer, said in a news release. "Every year flu kills many Washingtonians. We need to do better to protect each other. Get your family vaccinated now before flu strikes."
Washington state provides all recommended vaccines, including the flu vaccine, for free for children through the age of 18 at health care providers across the state.
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"Providers may charge an office visit or administrative fee, however a family who can't afford the fee can request the fee to be waived," officials said.
Click here for help finding a health care provider and for more information on the flu vaccine.
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