Health News

West Coast states announce broadened COVID-19 vaccine guidance amid CDC turmoil

2025 0818 flu shot

Washington, Oregon, Hawaii and California are all part of a “West Coast Health Alliance” announced earlier this month with the goal of combatting the politicization of vaccine access.

The Price Increases That Should Cause Americans More Alarm

2025 0825 health insurance

Wary of inflation, Americans have been watching the prices of everyday items such as eggs and gasoline. A less-noticed expense should cause greater alarm: rising premiums for health insurance. 

It’s Almost Flu Season. Should You Still Get a Shot, and Will Insurance Cover It?

2025 0818 flu shot

Doctors and public health leaders, including at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recommend that most people 6 months old and older get the 2025-26 flu vaccine — and it’s still covered by most insurance plans.

Skagit County bat tests positive for rabies

2025 0813 big brown bat

This is the first bat found in Skagit County to test positive for rabies this year and the fourth in Washington State in 2025. The last positive case of rabies in a bat in Skagit County was in 2023.

Many Older People Embrace Vaccines. Research Is Proving Them Right

2025 0623 vaccination

 Newer formulations are even more effective at preventing illnesses that commonly afflict seniors — perhaps even dementia.

Island Health seeks additional funding via levy

2024 0407 island health 1

A proposal to increase funding for Anacortes’ hospital district, Island Health, is before voters now on the April 24 ballot. The proposed new levy could bring in an additional $4 million dollars a year.

Medicaid cuts could hurt older adults who rely on home care, nursing homes

2025 0330 seniors2

Congressional Republicans’ proposals to slash billions of dollars from federal Medicaid funding would shift burden to states.