Get flu shot now for early protection, health district says

It’s time for flu shots, the Spokane Regional Health District says.

Health officials recommend that local residents get their shots before the region sees its first confirmed flu case, which has occurred in October the past two years.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flu shots for everyone 6 months of age and older. The vaccine provides antibody protection within two weeks.

Flu shots are available at numerous locations throughout Spokane and Kootenai counties, including health care provider offices and local pharmacies.

Flu vaccine choices this year include high-dose vaccines for seniors and shots with shorter needles that penetrate the skin but not the muscle.

Last flu season, 225 people were hospitalized for flu in Spokane County and six deaths were attributed to flu-related illness. The sixth death was in a man in his 50s with other health problems. He died in August, but his death still considered part of the 2015-2016 flu season.