Health Officer Update: High flu activity and childhood vaccine schedules

Dr. Herbie Duber is the interim health officer for Kitsap Public Health District. In addition to his work in public health, Dr. Duber serves as a professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Washington and is an attending physician at UW Medical Center and Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Hello and welcome to my January Health Officer Update. This month, I want to talk about high flu activity and childhood vaccine schedules.

Flu activity in Kitsap

Over the past several weeks we have had a significant increase in Kitsap flu cases and emergency department visits for flu. An increase in flu activity is typical for this time of year when families and friends gather over the holidays. Cases of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) have also ticked up, while COVID-19 activity remains low.  

Because respiratory illness cases have increased statewide, healthcare facilities like hospitals and clinics may require employees, patients, and visitors to wear masks. Use your good judgment. If you’re not feeling well, consider staying home or wearing a mask in public spaces.

You can help protect yourself and others from the flu and other seasonal viruses by:

• Staying up to date on flu shots and other routine vaccines

• Staying home from work or school when you are sick

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick

• Washing your hands frequently

• Covering coughs and sneezes

• Wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces

It's also important to take care of your overall health by eating healthy, staying active, getting sleep and managing stress.

Childhood vaccine schedules

On Jan. 5, the CDC updated the childhood immunization schedule, changing recommendations for the Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Meningococcus, Rotavirus, Influenza, and RSV vaccines.

These vaccines remain safe and effective for protecting the health of children. There is no new evidence around the safety of these vaccines.

Kitsap Public Health joins the West Coast Health Alliance, the Washington State Department of Health, and other key partners in supporting the American Academy of Pediatricians science-based, physician-supported recommendations for childhood immunizations.

Insurance plans — both public and private — continue to cover the cost of all routine childhood immunizations. School immunization requirements for students in Washington remain in place and unchanged.

If you have any questions about vaccines, ask your healthcare provider which vaccines are best for you and your family.

You can watch my full January report to the Kitsap Public Health Board in the video below or on Vimeo. 

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Have a question for our health officer? Send an email pio@kitsappublichealth.org or call 360-728-2330.