Washington updates adult vaccine recommendations

The Washington State Department of Health has released updated adult immunization recommendations for the 2026-27 respiratory virus season, including a revised Covid-19 vaccine standing order that allows everyone in the state ages 6 months and older to receive the vaccine. 

The standing order, updated in September, reaffirms state guidance that people stay up to date on Covid-19 vaccination to help protect against severe illness, hospitalization and death.

The updated schedules also include recommendations for flu and RSV immunizations. “As we head into another respiratory virus season, we want people to have information they can trust, grounded in the best available evidence, and access to vaccines and other tools that can help protect their health.

“Vaccination remains one of the best ways to protect ourselves and the people we care about from serious illness. When people have trusted information and access to the tools they need, we build healthier, more resilient communities – together,” said Dennis Worsham, the state’s secretary of health, in a statement.

Uninsured adults ages 19 and older can receive recommended vaccines at no cost through Washington’s Adult Vaccine Program at participating providers.

For Covid-19 vaccination specifically, providers or pharmacies participating in the program may charge an administration fee, but patients who cannot afford the fee can request that it be waived. 

For updated vaccine schedule, go to: Bit.ly/wa-vaccines. 

Veterans Resource Expo returns to HAPO Center on Nov. 6

The Columbia Basin Veterans Center will host its annual Veterans Resource Expo from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6 at the HAPO Center, 6600 Burden Blvd.

The free event is open to all veterans and their families. Breakfast and coffee will be served starting at 9 a.m., and lunch will be provided by Texas Roadhouse while supplies last.

The expo is expected to draw about 700 veterans and up to 100 vendors offering employment services, Veterans Affairs benefits, housing and social services, counseling, health screenings, haircuts and giveaways.  

The veterans center’s mission is to support veterans’ well-being and connect them to earned resources through its Veteran Therapeutic Court, housing assistance and community programs. 

Rotary-backed sign campaign to honor veterans

Columbia Center Rotary is sponsoring a community-wide sign campaign honoring local veterans.

Free “Veteran Honor” signs will be available starting Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Columbia Basin Veterans Center, 1020 S. Seventh Ave. in Pasco. 

Residents and business owners are encouraged to pick up as many signs as they can use or distribute and display them in yards and storefronts around town. In addition to expressing appreciation for veterans, the signs direct anyone in crisis to call 988, the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

USPS sets recommended shipping dates for holidays

The U.S. Postal Service has released its recommended mailing and shipping deadlines for the 2026 holiday season to ensure delivery by Dec. 25.

For the contiguous United States, USPS recommends sending USPS Ground Advantage and first-class mail by Dec. 17; Priority Mail by Dec. 18; and Priority Mail Express by Dec. 19.

For Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories, USPS Ground Advantage should be sent by Dec. 16; first-class mail by Dec. 17; Priority Mail by Dec. 18; and Priority Mail Express by Dec. 19.

The Postal Service advises customers to mail and ship early during the holiday season. Deadlines for military and international addresses will be posted on the USPS holiday shipping page in mid-October.

Go to: usps.com/holidaynews.