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With both the holidays and the respiratory virus season rapidly approaching, San Mateo County Health officials said Thursday that free flu shots will be available at walk-in clinics across the county for residents who don’t have health insurance.
No appointment, identification or health insurance is required for the flu vaccination, which is recommended yearly for everyone 6 months and older.
High-dose flu vaccines will also be available for adults 65 and older. Age requirements may vary by location, and some clinics cannot vaccinate children younger than 2 or 3 years old.
Vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death, particularly among older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with certain chronic health conditions.
“Flu can cause serious illness, especially for young children, older adults and people with underlying health conditions,” said Dr. Kismet Baldwin-Santana, San Mateo County health officer. “Getting vaccinated now is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and the people around you before holiday gatherings begin.”Â
Residents who have health insurance should contact their health care provider or pharmacy to get vaccinated. Flu vaccines are covered by most health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal.
For those without insurance, County Health is working with local health care providers and community partners to offer the free flu vaccines at locations throughout the county.
Upcoming clinics include:
– Friday at Daly City Health Center, 380 90th St., first floor, Daly City, 5 to 7 p.m.
– Saturday at Ravenswood Family Health Network, 1885 Bay Road, East Palo Alto, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
– Saturday at Fair Oaks Health Center, 2710 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
– Saturday at College of San Mateo, 1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd., Health and Wellness Building, third floor, San Mateo, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
– Thursday, Nov. 12 at Ravenswood Family Health Network, 1885 Bay Road, East Palo Alto, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
– Saturday, Nov. 14 at Coastside Health Center, 225 S. Cabrillo Highway, Suite 100A, Half Moon Bay, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
– Saturday, Nov. 14 at Ravenswood Family Health Network, 1885 Bay Road, East Palo Alto, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
– Saturday, Nov. 14 at College of San Mateo, 1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd., Health and Wellness Building, third floor, San Mateo, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Additional clinics are scheduled throughout November, including in Half Moon Bay.
Residents should check the full schedule at smchealth.org/flu for current clinic dates, locations, hours and age requirements.
