San Mateo County health officials have urged residents six months and older to get the seasonal flu vaccine as well as the COVID-19 vaccine, which has been updated and was approved this week by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Fall and winter mark the traditional flu season, as more activities take place indoors and holiday travel increases. However, COVID-19 is more transmissible in confined spaces, so there is a higher risk of respiratory viruses during this period.
Given this, the CDC recommends receiving the flu and COVID vaccines at the same time.
County residents should contact their primary care provider or local pharmacy for flu and COVID-19 vaccines, which are available at no cost to those with insurance.
However, many pharmacies are offering free COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured residents.
Residents without health insurance can also contact County Health at (650) 573-2877 or email SMCHealth_IZ@smcgov.org to learn how to access no-cost flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
For its patients, San Mateo Medical Center is updating its systems and processes to reflect new COVID-19 guidelines and will offer vaccinations once the updated vaccine is available.
It is important to stay up to date with your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
Flu vaccines are formulated annually to target influenza strains expected to circulate during the fall and winter months. Similarly, the updated COVID-19 vaccine targets newly circulating variants and offers broad protection against the worst outcomes of the disease.
“If you are eligible, now is a great time to get your flu vaccine and the updated COVID vaccine to help protect you from serious illness and hospitalization in the upcoming respiratory virus season,” said Dr. Kismet Baldwin-Santana, San Mateo County Health Officer.
Respiratory virus season also sees an increase in cases of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), which causes symptoms similar to COVID-19 and the flu.
The CDC says adults 60 and older can receive a single dose of RSV vaccine, based on discussions between the patient and health care provider.
The RSV vaccine may be administered at the same time as other vaccines. Residents should consult with their health care provider.
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