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