National Influenza Vaccination Week: December 5 – 11

It’s not too late to get your flu shot. While the influenza virus is present year-round in the U.S., peak flu activity usually occurs between December and February. Get vaccinated in order to protect yourself and others. As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, it may be even more important to get the flu vaccine; lessening your likelihood of serious complications from the flu can help conserve health resources for critically ill patients due to Covid-19 and other diseases.

More information on resources:

• HSL’s Vaccines & Immunization library guide lists resources for clinicians who advise patients on recommended vaccinations.
• Use the CDC’s VaccineFinder to find flu vaccines near you.
• The Seattle & King County Community Health Access Program (CHAP) helps local residents who are uninsured by connecting them to health insurance, health care services and other resources.

Interesting reads on the history of the flu and the 1918 influenza pandemic:

Flu Hunter: Unlocking the Secrets of a Virus	Pale Rider : The Spanish Flu of 1918 and How it Changed the World	Flu : The Story of the Great Influenza Pandemic of 1918 and the Search for the Virus That Caused It