County to Offer Free Flu Shots in East County Oct. 13

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency is sponsoring clinics throughout the region where residents get vaccinated against the flu. Beginning Wednesday, 12 clinics will take place this October — including in East County — with vaccines available for adults and children.

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months and older should get a flu shot; however, some people don’t have the means to pay for them," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, county public health officer. "We want everyone to be protected against the flu, so we’re offering the shot for free."

The East County flu shot clinic will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13 at the East Region Public Health Center, 367 N. Magnolia Ave. in El Cajon.

According to county health officials, the flu vaccine is safe and effective. It takes about two weeks for immunity to develop, so it’s best to get the vaccine now before the disease starts to spread in the community.
Officials say 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 your symptoms are under control
• Pregnant women
• People 65 years and older
• People who live with or care for others who are at higher risk

For the full list of October flu shot clinic dates and locations, click here. In addition, free flu vaccinations are available at a Community Health Center or County public health center throughout the flu season. For more information, visit Sdiz.org or call 211.

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