Get a flu shot this fall 

Since the first outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States was recognized in King County just over 6 months ago, I have deeply appreciated the care and commitment to public service I see demonstrated every day by my fellow employees. Our response to the pandemic has been a tremendous effort, where the entire workforce has rallied during a public health emergency to take personal actions to stop the spread of the disease, while at the same time working hard to safely continue delivering critical services to our region. 

As we head into fall, we in Public Health - Seattle and King County are acutely aware of the need to ensure we have the capacity in our health care system to treat an anticipated increase in COVID cases. Critical resources like ICU beds and emergency department staff must be available to treat COVID-19. To help relieve the burden on hospitals, flu vaccination is more important than ever. Flu vaccination prevents millions of flu illnesses and medical visits, tens of thousands of flu hospitalizations and thousands of deaths from flu in the U.S. each season. In addition, influenza and COVID-19 share many symptoms and it will be complicated to distinguish between the two. It’s in everyone’s best interest to prevent influenza illnesses that may be confused with COVID-19 and result in unnecessary isolation or quarantine and avoid preventable visits to a healthcare provider or hospital. 

Today I am appealing to you to get a flu shot this fall. Read more.  

Celebrate the unsung heroes of the workplace: Payroll Professionals 

This week is National Payroll Week. It is a week set aside to celebrate all payroll professionals everywhere who, day after day, work hard to ensure the timely and accurate distribution of payroll to approximately 150 million America wage earners. This year, we have all faced unexpected and enormous challenges to ensure payroll is processed properly while many of us are working from home with all its distractions and interruptions and without our usual working space, yet, somehow we have all managed to overcome the new obstacles and meet the challenges to stay on schedule. Please know that your many efforts to keep payroll on track, regardless of those challenges, are very much appreciated. 

Thank you for all the work you do every day to pay our employees. Your part in this complex process and your willingness to do whatever it takes to meet the payroll deadlines makes it possible for employees to be able to count on King County payroll, regardless of the department or agency. We are all partners in this process and appreciate all you do for payroll, and especially your flexibility and determination in this difficult year. 

To show the appreciation of the county, King County Executive Dow Constantine has declared this week to be National Payroll Week 2020 in King County. View the official proclamation here.    

Getting a flu shot is essential and so are you: Worksite flu shot clinic options for onsite employees 

Each year, King County’s Balanced You provides onsite flu shots for employees. Providing programs to support your health and well-being is one way we’re Investing in YOU. Visit this Balanced You blog post to learn how we’re modifying the flu shot clinic program to serve those most impacted during the pandemic. 

Reduce your risk for flu, find vaccines near you: Flu shot options for telecommuting employees 

Every fall, King County’s Balanced You team encourages employees to get their flu shot and this fall, flu shots are more important than ever. To encourage social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, telecommuting employees are being asked to get their flu shots from their healthcare providers or pharmacists, instead of coming into the workplace. Visit this Balanced You blogpost for information telecommuting employees need to know about flu shots this fall, including how to access them near you. 

Pet of the Week: Dora 

Hi! My name is Dora and I am available for adoption. I like getting attention on my own terms. When I come up to say hello, sometimes I want to rub against your pant leg, sometimes I want to smack you, and sometimes I want to bite you. I'll always keep you guessing as to what kind of mood I am in! I am a gorgeous cat that at first was very timid, but once I realized that people just want to make me happy, I have taken my rightful place as princess and will be adored and treated with respect! I can get overstimulated with petting, so please move carefully with me and keep an eye out for signs that I might need a break. My personality color is RED. I am a spirited cat with a fun-loving personality! I may be sensitive to handling, so I would do best in a home with a cat savvy family who knows when to give me some space. 

Read more and view all available pets at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Have you or someone you know adopted a pet from RASKC? Let us know. We’d love to tell your story.