The County Health and Human Services Agency is working with the San Diego Black Nurses Association to kick off the 2017 flu vaccination campaign.
It’s the 14th year in a row they’ve worked together to hold a free vaccination clinic. They will offer immunizations for up to 250 adults 18 years or older Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bethel Baptist Church Hall at 1962 Euclid Avenue in San Diego. The vaccines will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
“We are encouraging everyone to get vaccinated now before flu season arrives,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “The vaccine is safe and effective. Everyone should get vaccinated to avoid getting sick and spreading the virus to others.”
Last season, 87 people died from complications from the flu, 19 more than the previous season. Ninety-seven people died during the 2014-15 flu season, the highest total since County began tracking flu deaths nearly 20 years ago.
Persons with pre-existing medical conditions are more likely to experience serious complications from influenza, but healthy persons could unexpectedly have severe illness that leads to disability and death. Individuals may be contagious for a full day before they start to feel symptoms and consequently spread the disease to vulnerable family members.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months or older get vaccinated against the flu. It takes about two weeks for immunity to develop.
The vaccine is especially recommended for:
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 This season’s flu vaccine offers protection against several strains of the flu including influenza A H3N2, pandemic H1N1-like and influenza B strains, and the CDC estimates about 166 million doses of injectable flu vaccine will be available this season.
The influenza vaccine is available at doctors’ offices and retail pharmacies. People without 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 County’s provides free vaccinations as part of the County’s Live Well San Diego vision of healthy, safe and thriving residents and communities.