How my life was changed by Long COVID: Experiences of people in King County
Crossposted from Public Health Insider We may want to think of COVID-19 as something in the past, but it’s still here and many people are living with the long-term outcomes that can range from unpleasant to utterly debilitating. Long COVID is a condition that can affect any of the organ systems after a COVID infection, and it can happen to people at any age, even if they were previously healthy. Studies have identified more than 200 symptoms that people with Long COVID have experienced, and some can make daily living a challenge…. Read More
How to get the COVID vaccine in King County
Crosposted from Public Health Insider Getting a COVID shot this fall might look a little different from state to state, but here in Washington, it’s pretty simple: all people ages 6 months and up can get the updated (2025-26) COVID vaccine. Here’s what you need to know. Who should get a COVID shot this fall? The short answer: it’s a good idea for everyone! No matter your age or health, vaccination can protect you from severe illness and Long COVID. The slightly longer answer: we strongly recommend that certain people at higher… Read More
Healthcare organizations continue commitment to protect patients and healthcare workers with an update to masking guidelines
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Healthcare systems in the Puget Sound region have updated their joint guidelines for masking in hospitals and outpatient clinics during respiratory illness season. This means local healthcare facilities may require patients, visitors and employees to wear masks when respiratory illnesses such as flu and COVID-19 are circulating widely in the community. Masking is an effective way to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses in healthcare settings. These latest guidelines re-affirm the importance of the health and safety of patients and employees, particularly for those who are at high risk… Read More
Protect yourself, your family, and co-workers with King County’s onsite flu and COVID-19 shot clinics
Getting your flu and COVID-19 shots are an important part of protecting your health, your family’s health, and your community’s health. Each year, King County’s Balanced You arranges onsite flu and COVID-19 shot clinics for employees who work onsite. Check out the video below to learn more.
Test of KCInform employee alert and warning system on Oct. 17
King County will conduct a test of KCInform, King County’s employee alert and warning system, on Thursday, Oct. 17 between 9 and 10 a.m. as part of the annual Great Washington ShakeOut drill to test earthquake preparedness. KCInform is used to notify County employees of emergency situations, infrastructure disruptions, facility closures, changes in department business operations, and other critical impacts. Your King County desk phone and @kingcounty.gov email address are already in the KCInform system. However, please register your County provided cell phone (if applicable) and personal cell phone and email address… Read More
Pre-register for upcoming onsite King County flu and COVID-19 clinics
Getting your updated flu and COVID-19 shots is an important part of protecting your health, your family’s health, and your community’s health. Each year, King County’s Balanced You arranges onsite flu and COVID-19 shot clinics for employees who work onsite. You will need to pre-register for the onsite clinics. You are welcome to walk-in, but you will still need to register to receive shots, so please do so prior to the clinics. The following are upcoming onsite clinics: Atlantic/Central Bus Base, Classroom C, 1500 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134, Monday, Sept. 23,… Read More
Fall and winter vaccines: Q&A with Dr. Eric Chow
Crossposted from Public Health Insider We are going to see more respiratory illnesses in the coming months with kids going back to school, more people working in person, and folks spending more time indoors. COVID-19 already has a head start. This summer we are seeing a wave happening across the country, and King County’s no exception. Here’s the good news: updated vaccines for the 2024-2025 respiratory illness season are starting to arrive in pharmacies and clinics and they’ll soon be widely available. Keeping up to date on vaccinations gives you and your… Read More
Onsite King County flu and COVID-19 clinics
King County is making it easy for employees to get protected by offering multiple onsite flu and COVID shot clinics at County worksites. Getting your flu and COVID-19 shots are an important part of protecting your health, your family’s health, and your community’s health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu shot and COVID-19 shot every year. Flu shots have many important benefits; getting a flu shot can reduce your risk of getting the flu, help protect vulnerable populations, and conserve health care resources…. Read More
Protect yourself, your family, and your co-workers
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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that everyone six months and older get a yearly flu vaccine and the most current COVID-19 vaccine. Each year, King County’s Balanced You arranges onsite flu shot clinics for employees. This year we will also be offering the most current COVID-19 vaccine. The clinics for King County employees are scheduled at various sites around the County from… Read More
With COVID-19 on the rise, remember to stay home if sick
King County is currently experiencing an uptick in COVID-19 infections. Please remember to stay home when you’re sick with COVID-19 or any common respiratory illness, including influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). We value your work here, but it won’t help anyone if you spread your illness to your co-workers. If you are sick, please follow your agency’s sick leave request and approval protocols and stay home. When you are sick, stay home and away from other people (including minimizing close contact with those in your home who are not sick)… Read More
Employee News 