Flu season is coming, and health care providers in Jefferson County have flu vaccine.

Because vaccines only protect people for the current season, it’s important to get vaccinated every year, health officials say.

Certain people are at greater risk for flu and are urged to be vaccinated. Children 5 and younger, adults 50 and older, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions such as asthma, heart disease, neurologic conditions and diabetes are at higher risk, as are health care workers and caregivers.

Because babies under 6 months old are too young to get a flu vaccine, it’s important to protect them by ensuring parents, siblings and caregivers are vaccinated, officials say. Young children up to age 8 may need two doses of flu vaccine, about a month apart, for best protection.

Practicing good hygiene habits, such as washing hands, covering coughs and staying home when sick, will help prevent the spread of sickness, including flu.

Flu vaccine clinics currently scheduled in Jefferson County include:

Jefferson Healthcare Family Medicine: 9 a.m.-noon, Oct. 1-8, 1010 Sheridan St., Suite 101, Port Townsend.

Jefferson Healthcare Primary Care: 9 a.m.-noon, Oct. 8 and Oct. 29. 915 Sheridan St.

Jefferson Medical & Pediatric Group: 9 a.m.-noon, Oct. 15 and Nov. 5. 915 Sheridan St.

Jefferson Healthcare clinics accept Medicare, private insurance and cash. Vaccines are $25.

Other medical facilities:

Madrona Hill Urgent Care: 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday. 2500 Sims Way, Port Townsend. Vaccine available for clients ages 3 years and older. Flu shots, $30. Medicare will be billed; bring Medicare card. All others must pay cash. 

QFC Hadlock Pharmacy: 1890 Irondale Road, Port Hadlock. Walk-ins welcome. Medicare, Medicaid and insurance billed; bring cards. Flu shots, $25. Pneumonia shots, $70. Clients must be at least 11 years old.

Safeway Pharmacy: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-4 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. 442 Sims Way, Port Townsend. No appointment necessary for vaccinations. Medicare and most insurances billed; bring card. Medicaid accepted for clients ages 19 and older. Flu shots $30. High-dose flu shots, $57. Pneumonia vaccine also available. Clients must be at least 8 years old.

State-supplied children’s flu vaccines are now recommended for all children ages 6 months through 18 years old. Children’s vaccines are available at the following clinics. Call your provider for an appointment.

Jefferson Medical & Pediatric Group: 382-4848

Jefferson Healthcare Primary Care: 379-8031

Jefferson Healthcare Family Medicine: 385-3500

South County Medical Clinic: 294843 Highway 101, Quilcene, 765-3111

Jefferson County Public Health: Walk-in clinics, 1-4 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. 615 Sheridan St., Port Townsend. No appointment necessary. Call 385-9400.