Washington public health updates
Visit these trusted resources for the information you need to keep yourself, your family, and your community safer.
1/9/26 – The historic flooding experienced by Washington residents in December greatly affected many communities across the state.
A flood recovery resource hub has been created by the State to help residents access assistance and other forms of relief. For more details, you can visit floodrecovery.wa.gov. You can also view our collection of flood resources.
Having trouble accessing care? CHPW members have virtual care (telehealth) options available at no additional cost.
Learn more: Apple Health (Medicaid) | Medicare Advantage | Individual & Family
Vaccination News
Washingtonians can get COVID-19 vaccines…and they’re covered
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) currently has guidelines, called a “standing order,” that make it easy for people to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
The order states that anyone 6 months and older is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against severe illness, hospitalization, or death. This includes healthy adults, pregnant people, children, and those with chronic conditions.
For more information, please visit the DOH’s COVID-19 page.
Note: Washington’s standing order may differ from federal guidelines.
What does this “standing order” mean?
The order means most people can go to a pharmacy or clinic and receive a COVID-19 vaccine without needing a prescription.
To avoid confusion—especially since Washington’s guidelines may differ from federal recommendations—the DOH suggests bringing a paper or digital copy of the standing order to your appointment.
Should I get my flu shot?
The Washington DOH still recommends that everyone over 6 months receive a yearly flu shot.
It’s best to get your flu shot before flu season, typically in September and October. For more on the flu shot, please see our article on why the flu shot is so important to public health.
Are there other vaccines I should get for the winter virus season?
The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA), a coalition of Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii that was formed to coordinate science-based vaccine guidance, has issued immunization recommendations for the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season.
The WCHA recommends COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines for certain age and risk groups. For more information, please see the WCHA vaccination recommendation chart.
Are recommended vaccines still free or covered by health insurance?
Yes. In the State of Washington, recommended vaccines are available at no cost to you. That includes the COVID-19 vaccines, flu shots, measles vaccines, RSV vaccine, and others—regardless of any changes at the federal level.
If you have any questions about a specific vaccine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Weather and Natural Disasters
Flood safety and resources
Flood recovery cash assistance
Washington residents who suffered damage during the December storms and flooding may be entitled to recovery assistance. Anyone looking for recovery cash assistance are encouraged to submit an Unmet Needs Assessment Form from the Salvation Army.
Who qualifies and how to apply
Those who may be eligible for a Household Needs Grants must:
- Live in an eligible county – Currently King, Snohomish, Skagit, or Whatcom;
- Earn 80 percent or less of the area median gross income, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and
- Show that their primary residence was destroyed or seriously damaged (water has reached the electrical outlets on the home’s first floor) by flooding events between December 5 and December 22, 2025.
How to Apply:
- Online: Salvation Army website at sahelp.org
- By phone: 833-719-4981
- In person: visit a Disaster Assistance Center in the county in which a resident lives (See locations below)
Disaster Assistance Center locations
King County:
- Auburn Library (1102 Auburn Way S) – Friday, Jan. 2 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Saturday, Jan. 3 (1 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
- King County Library System Administrative Office (960 Newport Way NW, Issaquah) – Sunday, Jan. 4 (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
- Carnation Library (4804 Tolt Ave) – Monday, Jan. 5 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Snohomish County:
Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOA-WW) and Snohomish County are hosting a disaster assistance and resource center.
VOA-WW Sky Valley Center (617 1st St, Sultan)
- Sunday, January 11 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
- Tuesday, January 13 (2 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
- Wednesday, January 14 (2 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
Additional Disaster Assistance Center locations are planned for Skagit and Whatcom counties the second week of January. More information to come.
You will also be asked to provide supporting documents to complete your application. Click here to see a list of acceptable documentation.
Additional resources for those affected by flooding
General flood resources
General flood information:
- Sign up for emergency alerts
- WSDOT Real Time Travel Map (Highway/Freeway closures)
- Flood safety and preparedness
- DOH flood safety guide
- Emergency kit guide
Flood resources and emergency management by county
By county (A-Z):
- Benton County flood information
- Chelan County Emergency Management
- Clallam County Emergency Management
- Grays Harbor County Emergency Management
- Jefferson County Emergency Management
- King County flood resources
- King County emergency news
- King County flooding alert app
- Kittitas County Emergency Management
- Lewis County Emergency Management
- Mason County Emergency Management
- Pierce County Emergency Management
- Skagit flooding evacuation info
- Skagit County flood resources
- Snohomish County flood information center
- Thurston County Emergency Management
- Whatcom County and Skagit County emergency shelters
- Whatcom County flood resources
- Yakima County Emergency Management
Extreme weather safety
Earthquake safety
Latest Washington health advisories
These public health advisories are affecting Washington right now.
See the Washington Department of Health emergency website for more information.
Other Public Health alerts
In some cases, there are alerts from the Washington State Department of Health that can affect the health of you and your family related to food or drinking water safety.
You can check for alerts at the websites below:
Home heating safety
Cold temperatures and seasonal storms may have you looking for ways to keep your home warm and cozy.
You may also be looking for cheaper ways to keep your home warm with rising electricity and fuel costs. While there are many “hacks” and videos out there claiming to save you money on heating this winter, you should also be aware of the dangers.
Click for tips on heating your home safely
How to keep warm safely
When looking for ways to keep your home safe and warm this winter, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Keep propane stoves, charcoal and gas grills and outdoor heating items outdoors. These items can give off poisonous fumes and carbon monoxide. These fumes can fill your home and result in making your family very ill or even cause death.
- Wood burning stoves and fireplaces can keep your house warm, but be sure to keep these items clear of decorations or other flammable items. It can also be helpful to have your chimney serviced every year by a licensed chimney sweep to prevent chimney fires.
- Be aware of portable heating units, such as space heaters. Make sure they are plugged directly into an outlet, not a power strip or extension cord, and are at least 3 feet away from flammable items. This includes, furniture, clothing, and other items that could catch fire.
- Never leave items with an open flame, such as candles, unattended in your home.
For more on fire safety and tips for keeping your home warm, please read these resources:
- Tips to keep your home warm
- Fires in the home
- Carbon monoxide safety
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Questions?
Call our Customer Care team at 1-800-440-1561 (TTY: 711)
