County Offering Free Flu Vaccine Clinics for Uninsured Residents

Photo: A Marin County nurse gives a local resident a flu shot.

The following is a news release from the county of Marin:

As flu season approaches, a flu shot is the single best defense against influenza. Protect yourself, your family and friends by getting your flu shot soon.

Free flu vaccine clinics offer uninsured residents without a regular medical provider the opportunity to be protected against the flu. They are made possible by the generous support of the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services and Kaiser Permanente. Vaccines will be available at all locations while supplies last. Here is the schedule and locations of the free clinics:

• Oct. 4, 10 AM – 2 PM, Canal Health & Safety Day, Bahia Vista Elementary School, 125 Bahia Way, San Rafael

• Oct. 9, 2 PM - 5 PM, San Geronimo Valley Community Center, 6350 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Geronimo

• Oct. 16, 1 PM - 6 PM, Dance Palace, 503 B St., Point Reyes Station

• Oct. 23, 12 PM - 2:30 PM, Bolinas Community Center, 16 Wharf Road, Bolinas

• Oct. 28, 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM, Tomales Town Hall, 27150 Maine St., Tomales

• Oct. 28 & 30, 10 AM-1 PM, St Vincent De Paul Society Dining Hall, 820 B St., San Rafael

• Nov. 1, 12 PM- 2 PM, Stinson Beach Firehouse, 32 Belvedere Ave., Stinson Beach

• Nov. 4, 10 AM – 2 PM, Canal Alliance Food Bank, 91 Larkspur St., San Rafael

Additional clinics are being organized and will be announced when confirmed. Stay up to date with information regarding this season’s flu activity and additional options for flu vaccination by visiting www.marinflu.org.

The flu begins with an abrupt onset of fever, muscle aches, sore throat and cough that often make people sick enough to keep them in bed for several days. Flu can be especially dangerous for young children, seniors, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and asthma.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends basic steps to prevent and stop the spread of influenza and other respiratory illnesses in addition to getting the flu vaccination. These include:

• Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to those around you.
• Do not go to work when ill, particularly if you work with vulnerable populations.
• Wear a face mask when coming within six feet of a sick person.
• If you are sick, wear a facemask before going near other people.
• Restrict visitation with vulnerable populations while you are ill.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to get rid of most germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay healthy with a balanced diet, plenty of water and adequate rest and exercise.