What’s the deal with boosters (and why it’s a good time for a boost)

May 16, 2022.Reading time 12 minutes.

Three female friends holding up their vaccination cards and smiling.

Booster shots prevent the most serious health threats from COVID: long-lasting symptoms, hospitalization, and death. But many people in King County who are eligible haven’t gotten their booster shot yet. If that includes you, we’ve pulled together answers to common questions about booster shots that explain why it’s so worth doing.

King County transitions COVID-19 testing sites to community partners

May 27, 2022.Reading time 4 minutes.

Sandwich board-style sign that reads " Free COVID-19 Testing"

We are excited to announce that community partners will be taking over operation of the Tukwila, Federal Way and Auburn COVID-19 testing sites in June, following a brief closure during the transition process.

Alert: bird flu in Washington can harm backyard poultry and wild birds

May 25, 2022.Reading time 6 minutes.

Eight counties in Washington state, including King County, have reported backyard poultry infected by bird flu. The risk for bird flu to spread from birds to people is very low. The risk of it spreading from human to human is also very low.

With COVID rates high, what parents need to know about masking and testing

May 24, 2022.Reading time 10 minutes.

COVID rates are high right now in King County. Here is what parents should know about masking and testing in schools and child care.

Video & Transcript: Media Briefing on Presumptive Monkeypox Case

May 24, 2022.Reading time less than 1 minute.

King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin held a media briefing on May 23, 2022, to share information about a presumptive case of monkeypox in King County and answer reporters’ questions. A transcript of the briefing is now available, and the video of the briefing is below. Originally published May 24, 2022.

Presumptive Case of Monkeypox Virus in King County

May 23, 2022.Reading time 8 minutes.

Public Health – Seattle & King County, with support from Washington State Department of Health, is investigating a presumptive case of monkeypox virus infection reported to Public Health yesterday. The case is in an adult male with international travel in the past month to a country that has also reported monkeypox cases recently.