It’s fall, which means winter is coming next. But before then, people have to get through a couple of autumn decisions.

One is to cast their votes in the Oct. 6 municipal election and the Nov. 3 statewide election. While the choices may seem painful to some voters, it’s really pretty painless to walk into the polling booth and cast a vote.

The other fall decision is whether to get a flu vaccination and, for the past five years, whether to get a COVID booster shot. Both vaccinations are relatively painless, too, especially compared to the misery and risk of getting sick.

SEARHC this month reported it is seeing an increase in flu cases in town, as well as COVID infections. The health care provider is doing its part to see to it that the numbers don’t get worse. It is running a community flu clinic from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, and will be offering flu shots at the annual Wellness Fair on Oct. 17.

Appointments are recommended for the Oct. 6 flu clinic, or call if you need to set up another day and time. The number is 907-874-7000.

Flu shots are particularly important for senior citizens, who are more at risk of complications and serious illness. SERHC reports it has a supply of doses formulated for seniors.

While stocked up on flu shots, SEARHC reported last week it did not yet have a supply of the updated coronavirus booster vaccine, but it will announce when the shots are available in town.

Though the number of COVID cases in Alaska is down substantially from its peak years, it’s still too many. The state Department of Health reported that 22 Alaskans, including a child, died with COVID listed as an underlying or contributing cause of death during the 2025-2026 statistics period. That is down from 58 deaths the year before. In 2021, COVID was the state’s third-leading cause of death, at 762.

The worst period for Wrangell was the winter of 2021-2022, with more than 60 new cases of COVID infections a month, and at least one death.

No one wants to go back to those days, and no one wants the town to experience a wave of flu cases either. The best way to avoid both is to get vaccinated, for your protection and to protect friends, family and neighbors.

Fall is a good time to roll up your sleeve and get stuck in the interest of community health.