Flu & Flu Vaccines
The flu (influenza) can be severe. Almost every year, the flu makes millions of people sick, sends hundreds of thousands of people to the hospital, and causes tens of thousands of deaths. We recommend the following to protect your family and yourself from the flu:
You and your family should get vaccinated
The first and most important step to protect yourself against flu viruses is getting a flu vaccine each year. Everyone who is at least 6 months old should get a flu vaccine. It is best to get your vaccine before the end of October. If you can’t get it by the end of October, get it as soon as possible. See below to learn where to get a flu vaccine.
Take preventative actions
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer.
If you get sick, try not to be around other people very much. Unless you need medical care, stay at home until at least 24 hours after the fever is gone.
When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with tissue.
Clean things you touch often that may have flu viruses on them, like countertops, handles, and railings.
Take antiviral drugs if prescribed by your doctor
If you do get the flu, there are antiviral drugs to treat it. Antiviral drugs can make the symptoms milder, which will help you avoid serious complications, like pneumonia. Antiviral drugs can also shorten the time you feel sick.
The CDC recommends doctors prescribe antiviral drugs to people who are very sick from the flu, like people who are hospitalized with flu, and people with flu who have a high risk of getting very sick. Learn more about flu treatments here.
Where to get a flu vaccine in Wasco and Sherman counties
North Central Public Health District
We have flu vaccine for both adults and children. Call us at 541-506-2600.
Your regular doctor’s office
Most doctor’s offices offer flu vaccine to their regular patients.
Mid-Columbia Senior Center in The Dalles
They are planning monthly vaccine clinics from September 2023 through spring 2024. Call 541-296-4788 or visit their website to find out when they are having the next one.
Walgreen’s Pharmacy
They offer flu shots to adults and children who are at least 3 years old. Here is their scheduling link.
Safeway Pharmacy
They offer flu shots adults and children who are at least 12 years old. Here is their scheduling link.
Fred Meyer Pharmacy
They offer flu shots to adults and children who are at least 7 years old. Here is their scheduling link.
Rite-Aid Pharmacy
They offer flu shots adults and children who are at least 7 years old. Here is their scheduling link.
One Community Health
One Community Health offers flu vaccines, even to people who are not their regular patients. Call 541-386-6380 or visit their website to schedule a vaccine.
Sherman County Medical Clinic
Sherman County Medical Clinic offers flu vaccines, even to people who are not their regular patients. Call 541-565-3325 to schedule a visit.
To learn more about the 2023-24 flu season, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2023-2024.htm