Health

County, Partners Team Up to Promote Flu Vaccines

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With flu season upon us, County and local health officials were joined by community members Friday to encourage residents to get immunized for the flu.  

The 12th annual flu immunization event was organized by the San Diego Black Nurses Association, the San Diego Immunization Coalition, AARP and the County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). The event, which provided up to 500 free flu shots for adults, was held at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center.

Ninety-seven San Diegans died due to complications from the flu during the 2014-15 season, 27 more than during the 2013-14 flu season. Last flu season was the deadliest in San Diego since HHSA began tracking the disease. 

Although the majority of individuals who die from influenza are adults with pre-existing medical conditions, their deaths serve as a strong reminder for people to get vaccinated every year.

“The flu can kill, especially those who are most vulnerable to the virus,” said Sayone Thihalolipavan, M.D., M.P.H., County deputy public health officer. “The best protection against the flu is getting vaccinated. Everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated.”

Vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk or around those 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

“The vaccine is safe and effective. Millions of people get a flu shot every year and every San Diegan  6 months and older should, too,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer.

This season’s flu vaccine offers protection against several strains of the flu including Influenza A H3N2, Pandemic H1N1-like and influenza B strains. It takes about two weeks for immunity to develop.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 170 million doses of flu vaccine will be available this season

“We’ve had three very deadly flu seasons in a row in San Diego. Get vaccinated. Do it now before the flu starts to spread,” added Thihalolipavan. “No, the vaccine will not give you the flu. That is a myth.”

The influenza vaccine is available throughout San Diego County at doctors’ offices and retail pharmacies. People with no medical insurance can go to a community clinic or a County public health center. Visit www.sdiz.org or call 2-1-1 San Diego to find a list of County locations.

The annual flu immunization event supports the County’s Live Well San Diego vision of healthy, safe and thriving residents and communities.