Livermore Residents Get Free Flu Shots Friday

LIVERMORE, CA — Alameda County is offering free flu shots in Livermore this Friday.

The flu shots will be doled out first-come, first-served at Junction Avenue K-8 (298 Junction Ave.) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is both drive-up and walk-in. Anyone older than six months old can receive a vaccine.

Participants need not have insurance or an appointment.

The Bay Area's flu season tends to peak in January or February, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people get flu shots by the end of October.

Flu vaccines should be received in advance of flu season, since it takes people about two weeks after vaccination to develop antibodies, according to the CDC. But getting vaccines too early can lead to decreased efficacy later in flu season.

People should get flu shots every year, as strains can change over time and the vaccine offers protection for months, but not forever, public health officials said.

Flu symptoms are similar to COVID-19 symptoms and can include congestion, cough and fever, the county said. There is currently no readily available vaccine for COVID-19 and the public is urged to get a free test if they exhibit such symptoms during flu season.