How to get the flu shot

Patients have several options for receiving the flu shot this year:

• Get the flu shot as part of any primary or specialty care visit. Just ask your clinician during your appointment.
• Call our Patient Service Center at 360-882-2778 to schedule a nurse visit.
• Check your local pharmacy.
• Flu shots for patients 18 and under are now available.
• Flu shots for adults ages 19 and older will be available soon.

Why protect against the flu

Getting the flu vaccine is one of the best ways to avoid falling ill. It is particularly important for infants, children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems because they are at higher risk during flu season. If you are part of this group, or care for those who are, it’s essential to get vaccinated.

What has changed 

The recommendation for vaccinating people with egg allergies has changed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now advises that:

• All people age 6 months and older with egg allergy should receive the influenza vaccine. Any influenza vaccine (egg based or non-egg based) that is otherwise appropriate for the recipient’s age and health status can be used.
• An egg allergy necessitates no additional safety measures for influenza vaccination beyond those recommended for any recipient of any vaccine, regardless of severity of previous reaction to egg.
• Severe and life-threatening reactions to vaccines can occur with any vaccine and in any vaccine recipient, regardless of allergy history. All vaccines should be administered in settings in which personnel and equipment needed for rapid recognition and treatment of acute hypersensitivity reactions are available.

If you have questions about this guidance, please talk to your primary care clinician or allergist. Additional information is available at:

• 2023-2024 CDC Flu Vaccination Recommendations
• Flu Vaccine and People with Egg Allergies (CDC)