As part of its effort to keep hospitals free for COVID-19 patients, Santa Clara County is ramping up flu vaccines. Health officials hope that increased access to free flu shots will prevent widespread flu this year.
“Santa Clara County wants to make it easy for our residents to get free flu shots,” said Cindy Chavez, President of the County Board of Supervisors.
While the flu vaccine is not 100% effective against every strain, officials hope to cut down on the approximately 200,000 Americans hospitalized by the flu each year.
“The flu shot is a safe, effective way to reduce your chance of ending up in the hospital with severe flu,” said County Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody.
Doctors recommend flu shots for those over six months of age. Officials say it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to be effective after injection.
Most insurance carriers cover the flu shot without cost, as do all Covered California plans.
County-run no-cost flu shot sites:
- Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, Gate D – 2542 Monterey Rd., San Jose, 95111
- Each Saturday beginning 9/19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Mid-December
- Ages 3 and up. Those 3-17 must have a guardian.
- Valley Health Center Sunnyvale – 600 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Sunnyvale, 94086
- Saturday 9/19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Ages 12 and older. Those 12-17 must have a guardian.
- Valley Health Center Moorpark – 2400 Moorpark Ave., San Jose, 95128
- Saturday 9/16, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Ages 12 and older. Those 12-17 must have a guardian.
- Valley Medical Center Pharmacies
- Weekdays beginning 9/22