Now prime vaccine time

COLFAX—Flu vaccines are now available at the Public Health Department, including the one for seniors which was in low supply last year. According to Deanna Claybaugh, Whitman County Public Health community health nurse, the health department has received several hundred doses of the flu vaccine for those 65 years of age and older. Shipment issues last year meant a lot of seniors did not receive the vaccine.

The CDC recommends people receive a flu vaccine in September or October, before the flu is active in their area. It take two weeks or longer for the antibodies that protect from influenza in the vaccine to develop in the body. Those who wait until the flu reaches their community may not receive the protection benefits from the vaccine.

Vaccines are available at the health department, primary care offices and pharmacies in Pullman, St. John and Tekoa. Vaccine specially for seniors were not available at pharmacies in St. John and Tekoa as of Monday, but regular vaccines were.

There is a great emphasis of the public receiving the vaccine this year to reduce the complications of someone having the flu and COVID at the same time and to reduce the strain on hospitals treating both diseases.

Claybaugh noted the recommendation is for anyone over the age of six months to receive a flu vaccine. She will have vaccines available at clinics at Whitman County Library branches over the next two weeks. Locations and dates are: Rosalia, Sept. 22; Oakesdale Sept. 28; Albion, Sept. 29; LaCrosse, Oct. 8 and Endicott, Oct. 13. See the Whitman County Public Health website for intake form and to schedule appointments.