Pierce County Hosts Free Drive-Thru Flu Vaccine Events

PUYALLUP, WA — This year it is more important to get your flu shot than ever before, according to Washington state health leaders.

Washington's top health officials say, in the middle of a pandemic, the last thing our medical system needs is an influx of flu patients.

"While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our daily lives, autumn brings with it another unwanted visitor -- the flu," the health department writes. "The presence of both viruses could put more people in the hospital and strain Washington's health care system. While we don't yet have a vaccine to prevent COVID-19, we do have one to prevent flu."

Related: This Year's Flu Vaccine Is 'Essential,' Health Officials Say

To help as many people get the flu shot as possible, the Tacoma - Pierce County Health Department has announced a series of free, drive-thru vaccine events running from now all the way to early December.

Here's a look at what they've got planned.

The vaccine is available for everyone 6 months or older, and the county says it can be performed without even needing to leave your car. Visitors are asked to wear both masks and short sleeves, so they can easily get their shot. Children under three should wear shorts.

The vaccine is free for anyone under 18, young adults and anyone without insurance. Anyone with insurance should bring their card, and their insurance will be billed for the shot.

Guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows the best time to get vaccinated is between September and October, so it's better to get these shots sooner rather than later, though if the flu season persists past October it's never too late to get the vaccine.

Flu shots are encouraged for everyone aged 6 months or older, and especially for young children, pregnant women, seniors and those with underlying health conditions.

Read more about the flu, prevention and treatment from Pierce County Health.