It’s Not Too Late to Get a Flu Shot

Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer, Getting her Flu Shot.

If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, it’s time to roll up your sleeve. It’s not too late to get one.

“Vaccination is the best protection against influenza,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer.

You have many options to get the vaccine. You can visit your doctor’s office; many pharmacies offer them; and if you are a Kaiser Permanente member, you can get vaccinated at KP CareNow at the County Operations Center on the 2nd Floor of 5530 Overland Ave. The on-campus clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 11:15 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended. You can schedule an appointment by emailing KP-carenow@kp.org or calling 858-278-2802.

If you are a United Healthcare (UHC) member, you can schedule your flu shot through any of the UHC providers by contacting them directly.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. The vaccine is safe and effective. It takes two weeks for immunity to develop.

Vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk of developing serious complications from influenza. They include:

·         People with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes and lung disease, even if symptoms are under control

·         Pregnant women

·         People 65 years and older

·         People who live with or care for others who are at higher risk

In addition to getting vaccinated, people should also do the following to avoid getting sick:

·         Wash hands thoroughly and often

·         Use hand sanitizers

·         Stay away from sick people

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

·         Clean commonly touched surfaces

·         If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others

So do your part and get a flu shot!