Politics & Government

Got Flu? Join the Club! But Vaccinations Can Still Help You Avoid the Bug

Besides stores and HMOs, clinics offering low-cost flu vaccinations are all over San Diego County.

State residents are catching the flu—but also catching a break, according to health officials.

Some 47 states have “widespread” cases of influenza, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Golden State isn’t one of them.

“Five states with ‘minimal’ flu activity are California, Kentucky, Maine, Connecticut and Montana,” according to a Huffington Post report.

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But that’s little solace for those forced to skip work or school to nurse themselves back to health.

Two days ago, 10News.com reported that 361 flu cases had been logged in the county—up from 108 for this time last year. The total includes the deaths of two women, 92 and 89.

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“Influenza activity is definitely rising and people should take precautions to avoid getting sick,” said Dr. Wilma Wooten, county public health officer. “The best protection against the flu is to get vaccinated. It is not too late to be immunized.”

A total of 143 cases in San Diego County were reported the week ending Jan. 5, a 77 percent increase from the previous week, when 81 cases were reported.

Influenza can be a serious and deadly disease, especially for the elderly and young infants, as well as for people with chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every year. The vaccine is especially important for people who are at higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu, including people with certain medical conditions, pregnant women, and people 65 years and older.

In addition to getting vaccinated, people should also do the following to avoid getting sick:

  •   Wash hands thoroughly and often.
  •   Use hand sanitizers.
  •   Stay away from sick people.
  •   Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  •   Clean commonly touched surfaces.
  •   If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others.

The vaccine is available throughout San Diego County at doctors’ offices and retail pharmacies. County public health centers have flu vaccine available for children and adults with no medical insurance. For a list of locations, visit sdiz.org or call 2-1-1.  

The charge for the immunization visit is $10, no matter how many shots are given. The fee may be waived if you are unable to pay. Please note that County Public Health Centers and their satellite clinics are closed on weekends and holidays.

Here is a list of county public health center flu immunization clinics.

  • Central Region Public Health Center, 5202 University Ave., San Diego, 92105, (619) 229-5400
  • VIP Immunization Trailer, 3177A Oceanview Blvd., San Diego, 92113, (619) 595-4452
  • North Central Region Public Health Center, 5055 Ruffin Rd., San Diego, 92123, (858) 573-7300
  • Satellite Flu Immunization Clinic at Mission Bay High School, 2475 Grand Ave., San Diego, 92109, (858) 573-7300
  • South Region Public Health Center, 690 Oxford St., Chula Vista, 91911, (619) 409-3110
  • East Region Public Health Center, 460 N. Magnolia Ave., Suite 110, El Cajon, 92020, (619) 441-6500
  • Fallbrook Public Health Office, 130 E. Alvarado, Fallbrook, 92028, (760) 967-4401
  • New Hope Church (Rancho Peñasquitos), 10330 Carmel Mountain Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos, 92029, (760) 740-4000
  • North Coastal Public Health Center, 104 S. Barnes St., Oceanside, 92054, (760) 967-4401
  • North Inland Public Health Center, 606 East Valley Pkwy, Escondido, 92025, (760) 740-4000
  • Ramona Public Health Office, 1521 Main St., Ramona, 92065, (760) 740-4000
  • Solana Beach Presbyterian Church, 120 Stevens Ave. (Debin Hall), Solana Beach, 92075, (760) 967-4401


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