Oct. 14, 2024

Take action to protect you and your loved ones from respiratory illnesses

Vaccines offer protection against COVID-19, flu, and RSV.

Autumn is here, and that means cold and flu season is just around the corner. 

Viruses that cause respiratory illnesses (illnesses affecting a person's lungs and breathing) tend to spread more widely during fall and winter months. Fortunately, vaccines are available to protect against common respiratory viruses, including flu, COVID-19, and RSV. 

“Immunization is the best protection we have against respiratory illnesses,” Kitsap Public Health Officer Dr. Gib Morrow said. “By getting vaccinated and following simple steps like handwashing and staying home when you're sick, you can protect yourself, your family, and our community."

To get vaccinated, contact your healthcare provider, a local clinic, or pharmacy.

Scroll down to learn more about vaccines available this season and steps you can take to protect your family. Visit our respiratory illness page for more resources. 

OCT. 17 VACCINATION CLINIC We are hosting a vaccination clinic in partnership with the state Department of Health and Kitsap Community Resources. Join us from 2-6 p.m., Oct. 17 at 845 8th St. in Bremerton. The clinic will offer:  COVID-19 vaccines Flu vaccines Childhood vaccines Click here for more information and to pre-register (optional).

Who is most at risk from respiratory illnesses?

Respiratory illnesses like colds, flu, and COVID-19 are often mild, but can make people very sick. Some people are at higher risk for severe illness, including:

• Older adults
• Young children
• People with weakened immune systems
• People with certain disabilities
• People who are pregnant

If you or someone close to you is at higher risk for severe illness, be sure to stay up to date on immunizations and talk to your healthcare provider about other steps you can take to stay healthy.

Which vaccines should I get?

Vaccines can prevent you from getting sick and reduce your chances of becoming severely ill if you do get sick. By getting vaccinated, you also protect the health of people around you, including those who cannot get vaccinated because of health conditions. 

• A yearly flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6-months and older. Flu vaccines are updated each year to provide protection against the flu viruses that are most likely to be spreading. 
  
  
• An updated COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for everyone 6-months and older. New 2024-2025 vaccines have been approved to provide better protection against the most recent variants of the COVID-19 virus.
  
  *Tip: It's safe to get flu and COVID-19 vaccines during the same visit. 
  
  
• RSV vaccines are recommended for older adults and people who are pregnant. Vaccination is recommended between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to protect babies after they are born. Talk to a healthcare provider about whether RSV vaccination is recommended for you. 
  
  
• Vaccines are also available to prevent whooping cough (pertussis), a respiratory illness caused by bacteria. 

Vaccination is free in Washington for children 18 and younger. Most insurance plans, including Apple Health, cover the cost of vaccines. Resources are available for adults who need help paying for vaccination. To learn more, call 360-728-2007 or email [email protected]

Can I still get COVID-19 tests?

You can order free, at-home COVID-19 tests from CovidTests.gov

Tests are available from many pharmacies and retailers. Healthcare providers can provide testing. If you test positive for COVID-19, follow CDC guidance. 

If you need tests for your organization, contact Kitsap Public Health at [email protected] or 360-728-2235.

What else can I do to avoid getting and spreading viruses?

In addition to staying up to date on immunizations, you can take simple steps every day to avoid getting or spreading the viruses that cause common respiratory illnesses. 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds 
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, including sharing cups and utensils
• Clean frequently touched surfaces like phones and keyboards
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow
• Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces

It's also important to take care of your overall health by eating healthy, staying active, getting sleep and managing stress. Find tips from Be Well WA.

DOWNLOAD OUR RESPIRATORY ILLNESS SEASON FACT SHEET Download a respiratory illness season fact sheet that you can print and share. Visit our respiratory illnesses page for more tips and resources.

MORE RESOURCES

• Kitsap Public Health District Respiratory Illnesses page
• Kitsap Respiratory Illness Report & State Respiratory Illness Dashboard
• Washington State Department of Health Flu Overview
• CDC Respiratory Illnesses page

CONTACT:

Tad Sooter | Public Information Officer
Kitsap Public Health District
360-728-2330 - office | 360-728-2235 - main
[email protected] | kitsappublichealth.org