With flu season approaching, Sacramento County Public Health urges everyone to get a flu shot to protect themselves and their families from influenza. From Sept. 28 – Nov. 13, the Sacramento County Immunization Assistance Program will host
free Adult and Family Flu Clinics throughout Sacramento County.
This year it is especially important to get a flu shot as COVID-19 continues to spread. In an effort to fight both viruses, all Public Health clinics will offer flu and COVID-19 vaccines, including at
existing COVID-19 vaccine clinics. It is safe to receive flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time, according to the CDC.
“Vaccines are proven to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death,” said Sacramento County Public Health Officer Dr. Olivia Kasirye. “Those who cannot receive the vaccine, including infants and individuals with a compromised immune system such as those going through chemotherapy, rely on others being vaccinated to help protect them.”
All clinics take walk-ins, without the need for appointments.
Vaccination of people at high risk for flu complications is especially important to decrease their risk of severe illness. These include seniors and people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, lung disease and kidney disease. The same underlying health conditions put people at higher risk for COVID-19. If you are at high risk, it is especially important for you to get a flu vaccine this year. Getting a flu vaccine will not only reduce your risk from flu but also help conserve potentially scarce health care resources.
Flu vaccine is also recommended for infants ages six months and older who do not have a medical condition that makes the flu vaccine inadvisable.
As with COVID-19, it’s crucial to practice good health habits:
- If you feel flu-like symptoms, limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care or for other necessities.
- Cover your coughs or sneezes and wash your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with flu germs.
For questions or to find out more about the vaccination clinics, contact the Sacramento County Immunization Assistance Program at 916-875-7468 or
visit www.sacvax.com.
The influenza vaccine is adjusted every year to work against the most common strains of the flu. Read more about the 2022 flu season on the
CDC FAQ page.