To prevent a “double epidemic” of COVID-19 and seasonal influenza, the San Mateo County Health Department SMCHealth has urged everyone 6 months or older to get vaccinated against influenza to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Influenza vaccination is part of a comprehensive public health strategy not only to reduce the burden of seasonal disease but also to preserve health care resources for the care of patients with COVID-19.
Local health authorities have reminded that it takes a couple of weeks after vaccination for the body to develop immunity, so it is best not to delay vaccination.
Older adults, pregnant women, young adults, children, and people with other underlying health conditions are at higher risk for influenza, but everyone six months of age and older should get vaccinated.
It is important to note that the vaccine only keeps the person who has received it fully protected for about a year, so it is important to get vaccinated every year.
Symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Other viruses can cause these symptoms, but a high fever and bad cough are usually a sign that you have contracted the illness.
Those interested in getting a flu vaccine can visit their primary care provider, retail pharmacies and stores, with information and appointments available on MyTurn, or they can go to County Health's free, walk-in flu clinic, which does not require an appointment.
Learn the locations and times of free flu vaccination clinics in San Mateo County by clicking here. Or if you prefer to check other places in the area that have the vaccine available free click here.
Everyone 6 months or older should get vaccinated. No appointment, ID or health insurance is needed. Everyone 2 years or older will be asked to wear masks at flu clinics.
Upon request, County Health is offering COVID-19 and flu vaccination clinics at congregate care facilities, including skilled nursing facilities, shelters, and senior living facilities.
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