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COVID-19 vaccines
Clark County Public Health and Washington State Department of Health continue to recommend that everyone 6 months and older, including pregnant people, get the COVID-19 vaccine. Getting vaccinated helps to prevent against serious illness, hospitalization and death.
To help make the COVID-19 vaccine available for people who want it, the Washington State Department of Health issued a standing order. The standing order is like a prescription. It allows physicians, pharmacists, and other health care providers to give COVID-16 vaccines to anyone 6 months and older. Standing orders are not directives and do not require anyone to receive the vaccine.
Some clinics and pharmacies have the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine now. Others should be receiving the vaccine soon. Check with your provider or pharmacy to see when they expect to have vaccine available.
For more information, see the state Department of Health's COVID-19 Vaccine Standing Order and frequently asked questions about the standing order.
Preventing respiratory illnesses
With the arrival of fall comes respiratory illness season. Getting sick from influenza, RSV or COVID-19 can mean missed days of school or work and can lead to serious illness.
The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness is to get vaccinated. An annual influenza vaccine and the updated COVID-19 vaccine are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. A vaccine that protects against RSV is also available for older adults and pregnant people, and infants can receive monoclonal antibodies for protection against RSV. Talk to your health care provider to learn more about these options.
We can also stop the spread of germs by washing hands often with soap and water, avoiding touching our eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, covering coughs or sneezes, staying home when sick and avoiding close contact with sick people. While viruses are circulating, consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor places, especially if you or someone you live with is at higher risk for serious illness.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle – such as eating well, being physically active, and getting enough sleep – can also help to strengthen immunity.
Visit the respiratory illnesses data webpage for the latest information about COVID-19, influenza and RSV activity in Clark County.
Dental support for children
Resources are available for parents of children with special health care needs to help make dental visits easier.
Using pictures to express thoughts and feelings can help children who are nonverbal or have limited vocabulary feel more comfortable during dental appointments.
Explore these resources on the Oral health for children with special needs webpage..
Back to school
Parents can help to keep their children healthy and ready to learn this school year by ensuring they’re up to date on their routine vaccinations.
Vaccines works with children’s natural defenses to help them develop protection against serious and preventable diseases, like measles and whooping cough.
Some childhood vaccines are required before children can attend school, preschool or child care. Talk to your child’s health care provider or use MyIR Mobile to make sure your child is up to date on their vaccines and protected for the new school year.
Benthic algae mats
Benthic algae mats have been identified along the shoreline of the Columbia River in Clark County. The mats can contain toxins that make people and pets sick and can be fatal to pets.
Benthic algae mats are usually attached to the lakebed or riverbed. But the mats can detach and float on the surface of the water or wash ashore. If algae mat material is present, people and pets should avoid contact with the algae and the water.
Locations where possible benthic algae mats have been identified are available on the Current advisories webpage.
Public Health news
Friday, Oct 10, 2025
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