OLYMPIA — Get vaccinated now: That’s the message from Washington health officials as we enter the flu season.

“It’s essential to take the flu seriously and just as essential to get a flu vaccine every year,” said State Health Officer Kathy Lofy, MD. This year’s vaccine is available now at most pharmacies and health care providers’ offices. Lofy recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot.

Influenza is a highly contagious disease that can cause severe, even deadly illness. Young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with certain chronic health conditions are at high risk from complications of flu. However, anyone can catch the flu, including healthy young people.

Health workers and caregivers of babies and older adults also should be vaccinated to protect not only themselves, but also those they care for. “Every year flu kills many Washingtonians. We need to do better to protect each other. Get your family vaccinated now before flu strikes,” Lofy said.

During last year’s season, 241 people in Washington died from the flu and its complications; many more were severely sickened and hospitalized. Even young, otherwise healthy people have died. This underscores the need for all people to get the shot, which forms a “cocoon” around those who cannot be vaccinated either because they are too young or because they have certain medical conditions.

Washington state provides all recommended vaccines — including flu vaccine — at no cost for kids through age 18. These vaccinations are available at health care providers across the state. Providers may charge an office visit or administration fee, but a family who can’t afford the fee can request that it be waived.

For help finding a health care provider or flu vaccine location, or to learn more about the illness, visit KnockOutFlu.org.