Clark County residents urged to get vaccinations

Clark County vaccination rates for respiratory illnesses continue to lag behind state averages, according to the most recent data from the county’s health department. At a Sept. 24 Clark County Board of Health meeting, Public Health Director Dr. Alan Melnick urged residents to stay up to date on vaccinations ahead of flu season as countywide immunization rates decline. Flu season typically begins in October and can last until March, Melnick said. “The flu is not a trivial infection. It’s gotten significant. It’s not like the cold, and it can be very severe,” Melnick said. Between Aug. 22, 2024, and June 30, 18.2 percent of Clark County residents received the COVID-19 vaccine, compared with 18.9 percent statewide. During the 2024 through 2025 season, 27.9 percent of Clark County residents received the flu vaccine, compared with 30.5 percent statewide, according to data from Clark County Public Health. Since 2023, 42.1 percent of adults age 75 and older in Clark County have received the respiratory syncytial virus vaccine, compared with 44.8 percent statewide, according to public health data. Melnick recommended annual flu shots for everyone over 6 months old and a one-time RSV vaccine for older adults and pregnant women. He also emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated early in the season and continuing to take other precautions to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. COVID-19 vaccine A standing order issued by the Washington State Department of Health on Sept. 4 ensures that Washington residents can easily access the COVID-19 vaccine this year. The order allows most residents in Washington to receive the vaccine directly at pharmacies or health care clinics without a prescription, according to a Sept. 5 news release. Safeway and Albertsons pharmacies in Washington are now administering the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines at all pharmacy locations, according to a Tuesday news release. Safeway and Albertsons currently have the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine formulation for children 7 years old and older. Children younger than 7 will need to receive a vaccine from their pediatrician, the news release said. Appointments to receive the COVID-19 vaccine can be scheduled online, via the Albertsons and Safeway apps or directly at the pharmacy counter. In addition, Safeway and Albertsons pharmacies now offer at-home combined flu and COVID-19 test kits, which provide two results from a single sample. “These kits help customers monitor their health and prevent the spread of illness throughout the respiratory virus season,” the news release said. The COVID-19 vaccine remains covered by most private insurers, Apple Health, and Washington’s Adult Vaccine and Childhood Vaccine Programs, according to the state health department. In addition, Clark County Public Health provides information about where to receive low- or no-cost vaccines on its website, clark.wa.gov/public-health/covid-19-vaccine. For the latest recommendations for vaccinations that protect against respiratory illnesses, visit cdc.gov. “Stay home when you’re sick. Keep sick children home from school. Masks work, regardless of what you may have heard,” Melnick said. “Consider masking in crowded indoor places, especially if you or someone you live with is at higher risk for severe illness.” About the project: This story was made possible by Community Funded Journalism, a project from The Columbian and the Local Media Foundation that is funded by community member donations. The Columbian controls all content. For more information, visit columbian.com/cfj.

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