Flu Clinics
Where can you and your family get vaccinated?
This year’s vaccine is widely available, and the vaccine is the same as last year’s. Immunity weakens over time so it is recommended to get a flu shot this year even if you had one last year. The vaccine will protect you against H1N1, as well as two other virus strains. Adults and children over 9 will need only one dose of the vaccine. Children under 9 may need one or two doses this year, depending on what doses they received last year.
There are many places to get a flu vaccine: your doctor’s office and flu clinics at Kaiser, public health nursing clinics, senior centers, drugstores and grocery stores. For more information on flu clinics try these resources. Flu vaccine is plentiful this year. This is a covered service for seniors on Medi-Care, part B, non HMO. They may go to their regular physician as well as to the many pharmacies that offer vaccination and bill Medi-Care.
- Sutter Care at Home or call 1-800-500-2400
Fee: $25 for flu shot or $60 for a pneumonia shot. Only injectable vaccine is available; Sutter will not offer Flu Mist nasal spray. Sutter serves persons 3 years and older. - Flu Shot Locator or call 1-800-LUNGUSA
- Kaiser Permanente Members or call 1-800-573-5811
- Alameda County Public Health Clinics or call the Public Health Clearinghouse at 1-888-604-INFO
No one will be turned away because of inability to pay.
Who can get the FluMist nasal spray?
The nasal spray is for persons 2 to 49 years old who are not pregnant and do not have any conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart or kidney problems or a weakened immune system, or an allergy to eggs.
Who should check with their physician before getting a flu shot?
- anyone with a severe allergy to eggs
- anyone who has ever had an onset of Guillain-Barré Syndrome within 6 weeks after getting a flu shot
- anyone who has ever had a severe reaction to a flu shot
- anyone who is moderately to severely ill with a fever