The Hood River County Health Department is encouraging people to get their flu shot. Department Director Trish Elliott says the flu vaccine is available now from health care providers and pharmacies, adding unlike the last couple of winters when COVID-19 concerns limited people’s interactions and the spread of influenza, this winter brings the expectation of more flu cases. Elliott says flu vaccine is available the health department as part of their day-to-day immunization availability. She adds the health department expects to hold a community flu shot clinic later this fall.