Now is the time to get flu vaccines and bivalent boosters!

Washington State Department of Health sent this bulletin at 10/04/2022 10:35 AM PDT

Power of Provider Graphic

Hello POP Members!

 

Arm with a sticker label that says hashtag Flu FighterNow is a great time to encourage patients to get their flu vaccine, in addition to their COVID-19 bivalent booster. The COVID-19 bivalent boosters are available now (supplies may initially be limited due to low inventory and high demand). Experts from the CDC are encouraging everyone 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine before the end of October. They recommend providers offer flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same visit.  

 

 

Here are some facts you can share to encourage your patients to get both the flu vaccine and the bivalent booster:  

 

  • It’s safe to get both a COVID-19 booster and a flu vaccine at the same visit if you are eligible and the timing coincides. In a recent CDC study, people who received both vaccines in the same visit were only slightly more likely to report side effects than people who only received a COVID-19 booster. Their reactions were generally mild.  

 

  • The CDC advises following the recommended schedule for both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines and get a flu vaccine by the end of October.  

 

  • Kids should get vaccine protection too. Eligible children should be up to date on their recommended COVID-19 vaccine. Children 6 months and older are eligible for a flu vaccine.  

 

Please let us know if you have any resource or communication needs related to the COVID-19 bivalent booster and the flu vaccine by emailing powerofproviders@doh.wa.gov.  

 

 Register now for POP webinar on October 21! 

 

Pandemic to Endemic: Long-Term Recovery for Healthcare Workers  Friday, October 21, 12:00-1:00 PM 

 

Picutre of Dr. Kira Mauseth smiling

 

Kira Mauseth, Ph.D., from Washington State Department of Heath’s Behavioral Health Strike Team will provide valuable information about:  

 

  • Behavioral health considerations for the current disaster and response phase.  
  • Information about physical and neuro-chemical processes that influence our thinking, risk-taking and decision making in a disaster cascade and recovery.  
  • Risk and harm reduction as we have fun, re-engage and recover.  
  • Strategies to work through grief, loss and anger; and to manage our complex emotional, cognitive and interpersonal challenges.  
  • Ways to re-connect meaningfully with work and things that matter at home and in community. 

 

Please register here to participate! 

Thank you for being a POP member!

Power of Providers Team
Prevention and Community Health Division
Washington State Department of Health
powerofproviders@doh.wa.gov
360-236-2662 | www.doh.wa.gov/pop