Flu vaccine best defense for people, healthcare system

OLYMPIA—The Washington State Department of Health is urging the public to get a flu vaccine this year to keep themselves and others safe and out of the hospital.

Flu activity may be more common this year compared to last year because the closures that were in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have been lifted. People are more active and mobile. Many adults have returned to in-person work and most children are back in school.

“Preventing the spread of flu will be critical in the months to come because it will reduce additional strain on our hospitals, which are currently extremely stresse...