Two Flu Deaths in Tri-Cities Raise Alarm as Vaccination Rates Lag
The Benton-Franklin Health District reports two flu deaths in the Tri-Cities as statewide flu activity remains high and Tri-Cities ER visits were among the highest in Washington. Vaccination rates in Benton County (18.2%) and Franklin County (13.7%) trail the statewide rate (24.7%), prompting officials to urge annual flu shots for everyone 6 months and older, plus precautions like masking, hand hygiene and staying home when sick to curb spread. Vaccines reduce severity and hospitalization risk, though they don’t protect against other respiratory illnesses.











