Bellevue Residents Vaccinated at Free Flu Shot Event

Flu season is just around the corner, and about 250 Bellevue residents got free flu shots, organized by Molina Healthcare, the Bellevue School District, Sea Mar Community Health Centers, the City of Bellevue and Wrap-Around Services.

The event took place earlier this month at Stevenson Elementary School, according to information provided by Molina, an Everett-based clinic.

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“Molina wants to keep our communities healthy,” said Roland Feltner, MD, lead physician at Molina Medical’s South Everett clinic. “Getting your flushot is the best way to prevent the flu, and we are glad members of the Bellevue community took advantage of the opportunity to get a free vaccination.”

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), everyone older than 6 months get vaccinated. The flu is a major national killer and causes almost 36,000 deaths every year.

Other flu shot sources

Didn't get vaccinated at Molina's free event? There may be other opportunities to get free or low-cost vaccinations.

The Washington State Department of Health reported earlier this year that it has purchased more than 721,000 doses of flu vaccine for kids. All recommended vaccines, including whooping cough, are provided at no cost for Washington children through age 18. The department also bought Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine for uninsured and underinsured adults, so cost isn’t a barrier for them, either, according to the state.

Health care providers may charge an office visit fee and an administration fee to give the vaccine. People who can’t afford the administration fee can ask to have it waived. Many health plans cover flu vaccines as preventive care.

To find a health care provider or immunization clinic, contact your local health agency or the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588. Information about flu and flu vaccine is available on the Department of Health's website.

-- Information from Molina Healthcare and the Washington State Department of Health