Fall is officially here and with it comes the flu season. Beginning October 3 through November 12, the Public Health Immunization Assistance Program will be hosting a series of free Flu Clinics.
Flu vaccines are given to protect against the predominant strains of flu viruses that are currently circulating around the globe. The vaccines this year will consist of three components; two strains of the A virus (H1N1 and H3N2) and one strain of the B virus. There are also some vaccines that protect against an additional B strain.
Everyone in the community over the age of 6 months who does not have a contraindication to the vaccine should get vaccinated. Vaccination is the best protection against the flu. As the number of vaccinated individuals in a community increases, the likelihood that a person who has not been vaccinated coming into contact with the virus decreases. Take time to get vaccinated!
“It is important for everyone to get vaccinated. It protects the entire community, particularly those who cannot receive vaccinations, such as infants under six months of age and people who are allergic to eggs,” said Dr. Olivia Kasirye, Sacramento County Public Health Officer. “The earlier people get vaccinated, the better. It takes two weeks for the protective properties of the vaccine to take effect.”
Flu shots will be available for persons over 6 months of age without medical contraindication to receive the vaccine.
2015 Flu Clinic Schedule:
• Oct. 3 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Healthy Kids Day, Sleep Train Arena, 1 Sports Pkwy., Sacramento
• Oct 6: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., St. Therese Church, 100 4th St., Isleton
• Oct. 15: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Citrus Heights Community Center, 6300 Fountain Square Dr., Citrus Heights
• Oct. 22: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Mission Oak Community Center, 4701 Gibbons Dr., Carmichael
• Oct. 24: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Church of Christ, 4910 Lemon Hill Ave., Sacramento
• Nov. 3: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Department of Human Assistance, 2450 Florin Rd., Sacramento
• Nov. 5: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Sacramento County Administration Building, 700 H St, Sacramento
• Nov. 12: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Rusch Park, 7801 Auburn Blvd., Citrus Heights