PTOI’s COVID-19 Test and Flu Shot Event a Success

PTOI’s COVID-19 Test and Flu Shot Event a Success

By Lisa Pemberton, Puyallup Tribal News Editor

On Friday, Nov. 20, the Puyallup Tribe hosted a free COVID-19 test and flu shot clinic.

The event was in partnership with Pierce County Emergency Management COVID-19 Mobile Operations.

Throughout the day, 93 people were tested for COVID-19, and 17 flu shots were administered, according to Administrative Operations Coordinator Lizetta Kelly. That’s more than twice the number of people who were tested for COVID-19 during an event the Tribe hosted in September.

This year, health officials are stressing the importance of flu shots.

“Getting a flu shot in 2020 is more important than ever because COVID-19 is already putting many people in danger. Adding flu season to the equation increases the risk for everyone,” said Dr. Ken Farmer, director of the Office of Disaster Recovery with Pierce County, said in a news release. “Not only is there increased risk to us as individuals, but not having flu shots also puts our healthcare system at risk of getting overwhelmed.”

Learn more about flu vaccines on the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department’s website. Need a COVID-19 test? Find out about upcoming events on Pierce County Emergency Management’s mobile testing page.