Why people over age 50 should get an updated COVID-19 booster before the holidays

Older man getting a vaccine on left arm

As we get ready for our third winter holiday season with COVID-19, we’re tired of hearing about the pandemic. We would much rather focus on the truly important things in our lives—gathering with loved ones, taking time to relax and recharge, and thinking about all the things we want to make happen in the new year.

But getting sick can put a stop to those plans, and gathering indoors during the cold winter months helps COVID-19—along with RSV and flu—to spread more easily. COVID-19 continues to spread and evolve across King County and in the world around us. And if you or a loved one is over age 50, the chance of having severe disease and needing to visit the hospital is much higher.

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Expanding vaccination to older adults in King County

Senior woman getting a vaccine from her doctor in her home during a house visit during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All older adults in Washington state over the age of 65 are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. People 50 and older who live in multigenerational households are also eligible if they meet certain conditions. Due to limited supply of vaccine, not everyone will be able to access a vaccine right away. Access will improve as the supply chain widens and providers in King County receive more doses. Learn how to get vaccinated in King County and read more about the expanded vaccination eligibility.

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Watching out for child and elder maltreatment during the coronavirus pandemic

Earlier this week, Public Health released a report focused on domestic violence patterns. Similarly, social isolation, grief, and stress resulting from efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, combined with decreased access to services outside the home, may be increasing risk of abuse and neglect among children and vulnerable adults including elders.

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Protecting residents in long-term care facilities – progress and challenges

A looming heartbreak in the coronavirus pandemic is the impact of the virus on people living in long-term care facilities such as skilled nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family homes. Locally and nationally, the biggest outbreaks have been in these facilities, which house and care for more than 12,000 people in King County.

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Spike in King County flu cases

Influenza is hitting hard in King County. We caught up with Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County, to get his take on the flu season so far. What kind of levels of flu are you seeing in King County right now? Over the past two weeks we’ve seen […]

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