Vaccine & COVID-19 Updates & Resources
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has released several updates for long-term care providers regarding vaccinations and COVID-19 resources:
Vaccination
During the 2023-24 respiratory season, a recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) showed that less than 1 in 6 healthcare workers in hospitals and nursing homes received the COVID-19 vaccine, and less than half received the flu vaccine.
CDC reported on Nov. 21, 2024 that:
- 7% of adults 18 and older received a flu vaccine.
- 9% received an updated COVID-19 vaccine for the 2024-25 season.
- 7% of adults 75+ and 31.6% of those 60–74 who are at higher risk, never received an RSV vaccine.
You still have time to get vaccinated. Help prevent severe illness and hospital stays by getting up to date with flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccination. Vaccination is the best way to prevent severe illness from respiratory viruses.
Many local pharmacies provide vaccine services at LTCFs. If you are still looking for a vaccine partner for your facility/home, contact them to see what works best for you.
LTC resources and free vaccination info for adults and children
- Pharmacies-with-Long-Term-Care-Services flyer.
- Free-Vaccines-for-Uninsured-Adults flyer.
- Free-Vaccine-Locations-for-Children flyer.
- Find a free vaccine event on our website: Adult Immunizations and Children’s Immunizations.
Healthy habits
In addition to getting vaccinated, maintaining healthy habits can reduce the spread of germs and keep everyone safe. Simple preventive measures include washing your hands regularly, staying home when you are sick, and cleaning surfaces often. Visit our Respiratory Illness webpage to explore additional resources.
Antiviral treatments
If someone tests positive for the flu or COVID-19, it is important to connect with a healthcare provider. They may qualify for treatments that can help reduce the severity of the illness and prevent hospitalization.
Certain patients with underlying health conditions are still at a higher risk for severe disease, hospitalization, and death.
Use the COVID-19 and Flu Treatments Locator to find pharmacies, clinics, and other places that provide these treatments. These medications require a prescription from a healthcare provider. Remember other locations not listed here, may also have these medications.
COVID-19 treatments
COVID-19 treatments can help prevent or treat eligible non-hospitalized patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms. Getting treatment early can help patients recover better and ease the burden on healthcare facilities.
Patient Assistance Programs (PAP) help ensure access to COVID-19 treatments at little or no cost to patients.
