Health Officials Say Now Is The Time For a Flu Shot

Yakima Health District officials are urging everyone to get a flu shot. "This fall and winter getting your flu shot is more important than ever as it will help reduce the spread of influenza and symptoms which can easily be confused with COVID-19. The two highly contagious respiratory illnesses are spread in similar ways, mainly through respiratory droplets. Influenza and common cold symptoms are similar to COVID-19, the only unique symptom that COVID-19 has over the other two is loss of taste and smell."

The Washington State Department of Health, Safeway and Albertsons are teaming up to provide flu vaccines to uninsured adults over 18 this flu season.
Three Safeway stores in Yakima on Mead, and Lincoln Avenues and on North 5th Avenue plus the Safeway store in Toppenish are among those offering free flu shots.

For residents of Mabton the Yakima Health District is offering a special flu shot clinic Tuesday, November 10. The shot clinic will be held at Artz Fox Elementary School in Mabton from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. If you have insurance bring your card but officials say no one will be turned away from the clinic.