News Briefs — Oct. 9, 2020

Free flu shots

This fall, reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses, like flu, is more critical than ever. Although flu vaccination is not related to COVID-19, it is vital to minimize the impact of respiratory illnesses and resulting burdens on the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Starting Oct. 4, Champions for Health (CFH) will provide free flu shot clinics across San Diego County in partnership with the County of San Diego Health & Human Services Epidemiology and Immunization Services program and United Healthcare.

“COVID-19 has impacted access to general medical care and increased the number of uninsured people in our community,” said Adama Dyoniziak, Champions for Health executive director. “The combination of chronic disease and complications due to COVID will put many people at a higher risk of flu complications.”

The CDC recommends getting a flu vaccination in September or October but getting vaccinated anytime during the flu season can help protect you. A flu vaccine may also provide several individual health benefits, including keeping you from getting sick with flu, reducing the severity of your illness if you do get flu, and reducing your risk of flu-associated hospitalization.

CFH will focus efforts on the underinsured, uninsured, essential workers, those who have lost their employer’s health insurance, and anyone who may need it. CFH activates the local medical community to volunteer and assist in these events. The pop-up clinics will be a hybrid of drive-thru and walk-up, depending on the site.

Everyone qualifies, ages four years and up and pregnant women, to receive a flu shot. Nasal spray and high dose vaccine will not be available. No insurance is required. A mask is required at all flu shot locations.

Nearby October flu clinic locations:

Oct. 10, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Grossmont Healthcare District, 9001 Wakarusa Street, La Mesa, CA 91942

Oct. 11, 7:30–11:30 a.m., Northgate Market, 5403 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105

Oct. 19, 11a.m.–2 p.m., Grossmont College, 8800 Grossmont College Drive El Cajon, CA 92020

Oct. 24, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Volunteers in Medicine, 1457 E. Madison, El Cajon, CA 92019

Oct. 26, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Grossmont Health Occupations Center, 9368 Oakbourne Road, Santee, CA 92071

Flu clinics will run October 2020 to March 2021.

Additional dates and locations can be found at bit.ly/34ANv5q.

County expands outdoor COVID testing

El condado anunció el 29 de septiembre que aumentará la cantidad de sitios de prueba de COVID-19 en toda la región para frenar la propagación del nuevo coronavirus.

La cantidad de sitios aumentará de 29 a 41 y la cantidad de pruebas disponibles para ser administradas por enfermeras de salud pública a través del contrato de laboratorio del Condado con Helix casi se duplicará a aproximadamente 30,000 pruebas semanales.

Las pruebas de los empleados escolares del Condado se llevarán a cabo en cuatro ubicaciones regionales que el Condado identificó a través de consultas con la Oficina de Educación del Condado de San Diego. El estado recomienda evaluar a los maestros y al personal para las escuelas que se preparan para reabrir para la instrucción en persona.

Las pruebas de COVID-19 continúan realizándose principalmente en hospitales, con pruebas adicionales de laboratorios comerciales y centros de salud comunitarios.

Las pruebas están disponibles a través de su proveedor de atención médica y los planes de salud deben cubrir el costo. Muchos sitios del condado ya no requieren una cita, pero otros sí. Para programar una cita, visite 211sandiego.org o llame al 2-1-1.