By Erin Freeman | Lynnwood Times Staff
Committed to supporting staff, students, parents, and community members stay healthy throughout the flu season, the Edmonds School District set up drive-thru immunization clinics, offering no-cost flu vaccinations.
The Drive-through clinics were open throughout the first two weeks of October to all Edmonds School District (ESD) faculty, staff, students at Lynnwood High School, Mountlake Terrace High School, Edmonds Woodway High School, Meadowdale High School, and the Educational Services Center.
Utilizing a long-standing relationship with the Seattle Visiting Nurse Associations to provide flu clinics on an annual basis, this year’s event was further strengthened by the support of another partnership with the Verdant Health Commission, said ESD spokesperson Harmony Weinberg. Verdant Health Commission’s participation provided funding to support families within south Snohomish County that may not have had coverage for a flu vaccine.
“The partnership between Edmonds School District, Seattle Visiting Nurses and Verdant Health Commission has reduced barriers for families within our school community to receive a flu vaccine,” said Weinberg.
While flu vaccines protect against influenza and not the coronavirus, a flu shot is more important than ever, says ESD. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person can be infected by both COVID-19 and influenza simultaneously. It can also be difficult to determine which or both infection you are enduring, as symptoms of the flu and coronavirus are very similar.
“Our mission is to help Fight the Flu in our communities by providing vaccinations from our professionally trained, licensed nurses,” said the Seattle Visting Nurse Association. “In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, this fight is more important than ever. The health and safety of our nurses, patients, and community is our top priority.”
“Protecting your family from the flu will help prevent the transmission of influenza in our community, aid in the reopening of schools and the economy, and safeguard our healthcare systems,” said ESD in a message to parents.
