Don’t have insurance and need to get a flu shot? No problem.
The County is sponsoring clinics throughout the region where you can get vaccinated against the flu. Twelve clinics will take place during October, with vaccine available for adults and children ages three years and up.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months and older should get a flu shot; however, some people don’t have the means to pay for them,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “We want everyone to be protected against the flu, so we’re offering the shot for free.”
The vaccination clinics will take place on the following dates:
| Date: | Time: | Location: |
| Oct. 5 | 9 – 11:30 a.m. | Cesar Chavez Park Food Bank 455 Sycamore Rd. San Ysidro, CA 92173 |
| Oct. 7 | 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. | Bayside Community Center 2202 Comstock St. San Diego, CA 92111 |
| Oct. 7 | 1 – 4 p.m. | Primo’s Foods 1535 Vista Way Vista, CA 92083 |
| Oct. 11 | 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. | Mira Mesa Senior Center 8460 Mira Mesa Blvd. San Diego, CA 92126 |
| Oct. 13 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | East Region Public Health Center 367 N. Magnolia Ave. El Cajon, CA 92020 |
| Oct. 13 | 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. | San Marcos Community Center 3 Civic Center Dr. San Marcos, CA 92069 |
| Oct. 13 | 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Logan Heights Library 567 S. 28th Street San Diego, CA 92113 |
| Oct. 16 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Fallbrook Harvest Festival Main Ave. & Hawthorn St. Fallbrook, CA 92028 |
| Oct. 22 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | NCHS San Marcos Health Center 150 Valpreda Rd. San Marcos, CA 92069 |
| Oct. 27 | 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. | Barrio Museum 3304 Roosevelt St. Carlsbad, CA 92008 |
| Oct. 27 | 1 – 6 p.m. | Northgate Market 606 N. Escondido Blvd. Escondido, CA 92025 |
| Oct. 29 | 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Paradise Valley Hospital 2400 E. 4th St. National City, 91950 |
The flu vaccine is safe and effective. It takes about two weeks for immunity to develop, so it’s best to get your vaccine now before the disease starts to spread in the community.
Vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk of developing serious complications from influenza. They include:
- People with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes and lung disease, even if your symptoms are under control
- Pregnant women
- People 65 years and older
- People who live with or care for others who are at higher risk
In addition to getting vaccinated, people should also do the following to avoid getting sick:
- Wash hands thoroughly and often
- Use hand sanitizers
- Stay away from sick people
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Clean commonly touched surfaces
- If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others
Free flu vaccinations are available at a Community Health Center or County public health center throughout the flu season. For a list of locations, visit sdiz.org or call 2-1-1.
