Kittitas County Health Officer Mark Larson told the board Sept. 18 that confusion about COVID-19 vaccine availability and guidance is widespread and that recent turnover and debate at national advisory bodies is contributing to public mistrust. Larson said he frequently receives questions from residents—older adults, parents and pregnant people—about whether they can get a COVID shot and whether insurance will cover it. "Can I get a COVID shot? Will my insurance cover the COVID shot?" he said, summarizing common inquiries. Larson reviewed federal- and state-level developments: the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) was meeting with an agenda that included potential changes for childhood vaccines and COVID recommendations; state actors and outside expert groups were issuing their own analyses; and a standing order from the state health officer was in place to facilitate access in some jurisdictions. He cautioned that spontaneous reporting systems such as VAERS do not by themselves prove causation and urged careful evaluation of evidence presented at national meetings. Larson noted professional organizations—including the American Academy of Pediatrics, ACOG, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America—were issuing recommendations for specific groups: unvaccinated children 6–23 months, pregnant people, older adults and others at higher risk. He said local clinics are planned: the county will offer flu vaccine events (example date shown: Oct. 8) and a COVID vaccine clinic tentatively scheduled for Oct. 24, and advised residents to seek vaccine before respiratory season intensifies. On masking, Larson said guidance for aerosolized respiratory pathogens favors higher-filtration masks (KN95/N95) and discussed workplace protections for outdoor workers and wildland firefighters, noting recent federal moves to permit more protective measures. He also warned that local health care capacity remains constrained with nursing shortages; the system may face strain during the coming respiratory season. Larson framed his remarks around the problem of public trust and urged ongoing communication with diverse audiences and community partners.