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Where to find a COVID, flu, RSV vaccine in Clark County

Officials say inoculation one part of preventing spread of disease

By Chrissy Booker, Columbian staff writer
Published: October 13, 2023, 6:03am

The 2023 rollout of the updated COVID-19 vaccine has been slower than last year, according to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Although the COVID-19 vaccine was less accessible during the beginning of flu season, local pharmacies and health facilities have recently started offering the vaccine, some at no cost.

With expectations of more respiratory illnesses as winter nears, staying up to date on your immunizations can help lessen the impact of widespread sickness, according to Clark County Public Health.

More than 7 million Americans have received the updated COVID-19 vaccines as of Wednesday, according to HHS.

County pharmacies, clinics have vaccine

Here are some of the facilities around Clark County offering the COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines.

Note: Not all locations may have the most recent version of the vaccine; check with the location to verify you're getting the vaccination you want:

Fred Meyer

Types of vaccine available: COVID-19, influenza and RSV.

Where: All Fred Meyer pharmacies.

Cost: The vaccine cost is covered through health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. Patients who aren’t insured can receive a free vaccine through the CDC’s Bridge Access Program and finding a participating location using VaccineFinder.org.

How to schedule: To schedule and appointment, visit: fredmeyer.com/health/clinic/schedule-appointment.

Kaiser Permanente

Types of vaccine available:  COVID-19, influenza and RSV.

Where: All Kaiser locations.

Cost: Vaccines are available at no cost to members.

How to schedule: Kaiser recommends scheduling an appointment ahead of time with your primary care provider through kp.org or calling 1-800-813-2000.

CVS

Types of vaccine available: COVID-19, influenza and RSV.

Cost: Free at CVS pharmacies.

How to schedule: Go online and make an appointment for your vaccine at cvs.com

Safeway and Albertsons

Types of vaccine available: COVID-19, influenza, shingles, RSV, pneumonia, tetanus, and HPV.

Where: All Southwest Washington and Oregon Safeway and Albertsons pharmacies.

Cost: Most insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover immunizations at no cost; however, customers are encouraged to check with their local pharmacy to verify coverage under their specific health plan.

How to schedule: Walk in or book an appointment for up to five immunizations together using the online scheduler at albertsons.com/vaccinations/home

PeaceHealth

Types of vaccine available: COVID-19 and influenza

Where: PeaceHealth primary care clinics in Oregon and Southwest Washington

How to schedule: Appointments are required to receive a vaccine with PeaceHealth. Call your primary care provider to schedule.

Vancouver Clinic

Types of vaccine available: COVID-19

Where: Salmon Creek, 87th Avenue, Columbia Tech Center, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, Camas, Washougal, Evergreen Place, and Vancouver Plaza. Patients at other locations will need to schedule a nurse visit at one of these sites.

Cost: For patients with health insurance, Vancouver Clinic will bill your insurance company. Patients without insurance must pay for the vaccine.

How to schedule: make an appointment with your primary care provider or call 360-882-2778 to schedule a nurse visit at one of the sites mentioned above.

For more information on Vancouver Clinic’s policy, visit tvc.org/coronavirus/

— Compiled by Chrissy Booker

The vaccine is recommended for everyone age 6 months or older.

The American Medical Association says the updated vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech are aimed at the XBB.1.5 omicron subvariant  of the coronavirus, which has a mutation that is believed to help the virus bind to cells. The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved the updated vaccines by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna in mid-September.

Last month, Clark County reported a gradual increase of COVID-19, influenza and RSV cases among residents as the region transitioned into flu season.

And while vaccines can help to protect against viruses, it’s important to remember that no vaccine prevents illness 100 percent of the time. Some people have experienced breakthrough cases even after getting vaccinated, which means practicing safe habits around sickness is equally important to reduce the spread.

In Washington, 25.6 percent of people are reported to be up to date with the recommended COVID-19 vaccine, while only 4.8 percent of people have received at least one dose of their flu shot within the current flu season.

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This story was made possible by Community Funded Journalism, a project from The Columbian and the Local Media Foundation. Top donors include the Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund, Patricia, David and Jacob Nierenberg, Connie and Lee Kearney, Steve and Jan Oliva, The Cowlitz Tribal Foundation and the Mason E. Nolan Charitable Fund. The Columbian controls all content. For more information, visit columbian.com/cfj.

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