King County wants employees to be healthy so you can feel good, get the most out of life, and do your best work for the community we serve.
While respiratory illness season begins in autumn, it typically peaks in January and February and continues through the spring, with potential COVID-19 waves any time of year. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) recommends that everyone six months and older receive the 2026-2027 flu and COVID‑19 vaccines.
For maximum protection:
- Flu is already beginning to circulate this season, so get your flu shot now for the best protection. If you aren’t able to get vaccinated between now and the end of October, it’s not too late! Getting vaccinated while flu viruses are still circulating can help protect you from severe illness.
- Get your COVID shot as soon as it becomes available. People at high risk of COVID-19 complications include children aged 6 months – 23 months, children and adults with risk factors, pregnant individuals, adults 65+ and those that have never been vaccinated.
- Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see whether you or your family members need an RSV vaccine.
- If you’ve recently had COVID-19, you may want to delay getting a COVID-19 vaccine for up to three months.
For more information and to find updated immunization schedules, visit DOH’s Vaccine Recommendations webpage.
Where to get vaccinated
Each year, King County’s Balanced You arranges onsite flu and COVID shot clinics for employees at worksites across the county. We encourage employees to get their annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines wherever is most convenient for them. Some employees may find onsite vaccine clinics convenient, while other employees and their family members may find it more convenient to go to their healthcare provider’s office or a local pharmacy.
Learn more about where to vaccinated here.
Here are some tips for getting your flu and COVID-19 shots through your King County health insurance plan:
Kaiser Permanente Members:
- COVID-19 and flu vaccinations are available at no charge to all Kaiser Permanente members. To find more information on how to schedule an appointment for COVID and flu vaccination, call Kaiser Permanente‘s Member Services at 888-901-4636, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Regence KingCare℠ & KingCare Select Members:
- Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are also covered for all KingCare and KingCare Select members. To find more information on how to schedule an appointment, call Regence’s Member Services at 800-376-7926.
If you have questions about which vaccines are best for you, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
Do you have questions about this benefit? Contact the Benefits office at 206-684-1556 or KC.Benefits@kincounty.gov
Supervisors: Here is a printer-friendly PDF of vaccine resources to post at your worksites for employees who do not have access to email.