San Rafael, CA – Public Health officials at the County of Marin urge everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated early before a contagious virus starts circulating. A series of free flu vaccine clinics begin October 2 in a collaborative effort to help all Marin residents regardless of health insurance status.
Marin residents have 10 opportunities through mid-November to receive a free flu immunization. “While flu season is unavoidable, poor outcomes, including emergency room visits and hospitalizations, are avoidable,” said Dr. Lisa Santora, Deputy Public Health Officer. “The best way to project yourself, family and community is to get a flu shot annually each fall. We are committed to making sure all Marin residents have access to flu shots.”
Flu strains change over time, making it important to get a flu vaccine every year. Timely flu shots help prevent a disease that hospitalizes hundreds of thousands and kills tens of thousands of Americans every year. The start of the flu season is unpredictable, and the vaccine takes two weeks to become fully effective.
In October, the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services will host free flu clinics in San Rafael, Novato, and Point Reyes Station. The nonprofit Coastal Health Alliance will host clinics at various West Marin locations.
Central Marin
• Tuesday, October 2* 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Canal Alliance, 91 Larkspur St, San Rafael
• Thursday, October 4*, 3-5 p.m., Bahia Vista School, 125 Bahia Way, San Rafael
• Wednesday, November 14*, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin Dining Hall, 820 B Street, San Rafael
West Marin/San Geronimo Valley
• Thursday, October 11*, 1-4:30 p.m., The Dance Palace, 503 B Street, Point Reyes Station
• Thursday, October 11, 2-5 p.m., San Geronimo Valley Community Center, 6350 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Geronimo
• Tuesday, October 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Point Reyes Library, 11435 Shoreline Highway, Point Reyes Station
• Saturday, October 27, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Stinson Beach Firehouse, 32 Belvedere Ave, Stinson Beach
• Tuesday, October 30, 1-4 p.m., Tomales Town Hall, 27150 Maine St, Tomales
Southern Marin
• Saturday, October 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Marin City Health and Wellness Center, 630 Drake Ave., Sausalito
Northern Marin
• Saturday, October 13*, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Marin Community Clinic, 6100 Redwood Boulevard, Novato
*Age 3 years and older
Vaccines are available at doctors’ offices, and many pharmacies provide free or low-cost flu vaccinations to the public.
Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. In most cases, people should not visit a hospital emergency room for flu symptoms but are encouraged to call a doctor. People who experience symptoms should stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever goes away to prevent spreading the infection to others.
Help stop the spread of germs by practicing good hand washing and health habits. Here’s a checklist:
- Limit your contact with others and stay home from work or school if you are ill.
- If you don’t have a tissue to cough into, cover your nose and mouth with your elbow or arm.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Some population groups may experience complications from the flu and should contact their health care provider immediately. These groups include pregnant women, children younger than 5 years old, adults 65 and older, and people with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, asthma, and diabetes. Doctors can prescribe antiviral medications that reduce the severity and duration of illness. Anyone who is very sick should go to the emergency room for treatment.
For more information, visit marinflu.org.