Free Flu Shots Available In Novato

MARIN COUNTY, CA – County of Marin Public Health officials are urging residents to get the flu vaccine early this year. The vaccine takes two weeks to become fully effective, officials said.

In an effort to help all Marin residents get the flu shot, regardless of health insurance status, a series of free flu vaccine clinics will be available beginning Oct. 2.

"While flu season is unavoidable, poor outcomes, including emergency room visits and hospitalizations, are avoidable," said Dr. Lisa Santora, the county's deputy public health officer. "The best way to project yourself, family and community is to get a flu shot annually each fall. We are committed to making sure all Marin residents have access to flu shots."

Flu strains change over time, making it important to get a flu shot every year, officials said. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue.

In October, the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services will host free flu clinics in San Rafael, Novato and Point Reyes Station. The nonprofit Coastal Health Alliance will host clinics at various West Marin locations.

Central Marin

• Tuesday, October 2* 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Canal Alliance, 91 Larkspur St, San Rafael
• Thursday, October 4*, 3-5 p.m., Bahia Vista School, 125 Bahia Way, San Rafael
• Wednesday, November 14*, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin Dining Hall, 820 B Street, San Rafael

Northern Marin

• Saturday, Oct. 13*: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Marin Community Clinic, 6100 Redwood Blvd., Novato

Southern Marin

• Saturday, Oct. 27: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Marin City Health and Wellness Center, 630 Drake Ave., Sausalito

West Marin/San Geronimo Valley

• Thursday, Oct. 11*: 1-4:30 p.m., The Dance Palace, 503 B St., Point Reyes Station
• Thursday, Oct. 11: 2-5 p.m., San Geronimo Valley Community Center, 6350 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Geronimo
• Tuesday, Oct. 23: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Point Reyes Library, 11435 Shoreline Highway, Point Reyes Station
• Saturday, Oct. 27: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Stinson Beach Firehouse, 32 Belvedere Ave., Stinson Beach
• Tuesday, Oct. 30: 1-4 p.m., Tomales Town Hall, 27150 Maine St., Tomales

*Age 3 years and older

The vaccine is also available at doctors' offices and local pharmacies.

The vaccine is especially recommended for people with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease, pregnant women, children younger than 5 years old, adults 65 years and older, and people who live with or care for others who are at higher risk.

For more information, visit marinflu.org.

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