By Josephine Young / For The Herald
December is a magical time. Folks are making plans to visit family and loved ones for the holidays, wrapping up plans for the end of the year and kids are looking forward to some time away from school.
Unfortunately, we’re still in the middle of the covid-19 pandemic. As with last year, the virus will travel for the holidays with the people and spread as different communities mix and gather within crowded planes, vehicles and various places indoors. With the emerging news about the omicron variant, and the rise of flu season, it is vital for all eligible individuals to be vaccinated for both flu and covid-19 as quickly as possible.
Specifically, with rare exception, everyone ages 5 years and older should become fully vaccinated against covid-19. Those 18 years and older who are already vaccinated, should receive a booster if it has been at least six months since they completed their two-dose mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) series, or at least two months since receiving their initial Johnson and Johnson shot. In addition, for those with some natural immunity from a covid infection but not yet vaccinated, they should also boost their immunity with a covid vaccine as soon as possible. Flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
While many people can easily drive to the local pharmacy to get a free covid-19 vaccine, this is not always possible for many parents, caregivers and children. Whether struggling with limited transportation options, no vaccination sites close to home, or a lack of clear vaccine information in a preferred language, many of our neighbors are facing major challenges accessing vaccines despite reported availability. As a community, we have a joint responsibility to identify obstacles to vaccination and work together to remove them.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association, among other medical groups, are endorsing child vaccination against covid-19. According to Public Health – Seattle & King County, youths who are not fully vaccinated are 11 times more likely to be hospitalized for covid-19 compared to fully vaccinated youth. With covid-19 cases continuing to rise, now is the time to do all we can to ensure equitable access for everyone eligible for a vaccine.
Believing that creative solutions and partnerships is a path to bring vaccines to communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, Premera Blue Cross has teamed up with the Seattle Kraken National Hockey League team and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health to host vaccine clinics to address barriers to access. We’ve also worked with other partners to bring vaccines to underserved communities around the state.
Focused on working with local partners, we identified locations, days and times that best work for the communities we’re serving. We aim to bring vaccines to where individuals and families are already gathered for other activities in their day. We have been in neighborhoods, places of work, or local community centers. Other partners have hosted clinics at places of worship, food banks and community colleges. Neighbors are welcomed at these vaccine clinics by culturally competent staff and volunteers who can also help with any needed language assistance. In fact, our next clinic will be held Wednesda at the Kraken Community Iceplex at Northgate. Being at the Kraken Iceplex provides a fun opportunity for families and hockey fans to get vaccinated, enjoy holiday festivities and have access to medical personnel to help with their questions.
Pharmacists will be administering Pfizer and Moderna vaccines at the clinic. Medical professionals will also be on site, during the clinic, to answer any questions about the vaccine and its side effects. For parents and caregivers who have questions or concerns that make them unsure about having their children vaccinated, trusted community members are also working locally to help distribute accurate information and address questions to specific concerns.
As much as we are all ready to move on, the coronavirus is still with us, and the pandemic is continuing. We need to stay creative in removing barriers to vaccination so that everyone can be protected and help end the pandemic. In the meantime, let’s enjoy the holidays by being well informed, following the guidelines of physical distancing, masking and handwashing in order to stay healthy and protect those around us.
Vax with the Kraken
A free vaccination clinic is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29 at the Kraken Community Iceplex at 10601 Fifth Avenue NE, Suite 201 West, in Seattle’s Northgate neighborhood. More information at www.chifranciscan.org/krakenvaccination.
Dr. Josephine Young is the medical director for Premera Blue Cross. She is a pediatrician who received her doctor of medicine degree from Boston University, MBA from University of Washington and Master of Public Health from the University of Washington School of Public Health.
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