Free Flu Shots Available Now in Santa Clara County

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, Calif. – Free flu shots are available now at County pharmacies and community clinics throughout the county. Each year, the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department distributes tens of thousands of free doses to more than thirty healthcare providers that serve low income or uninsured individuals and additional groups that experience barriers in accessing healthcare. Free flu shots are also being made available at community events over the next few months. Find a location for a flu shot here.

Today, the Public Health Department also launched a new user-friendly dashboard highlighting flu activity in Santa Clara County. Along with tracking data from the current flu season, the interactive webpage displays how the current year compares with previous years.

“Every winter, people end up in the hospital sick with the flu, and for many, this is preventable.” said Dr. Sara Cody, Health Officer for the County of Santa Clara and Director of the Public Health Department. “Getting the flu shot every year is the best way to avoid getting influenza, prevent more severe flu symptoms, and protect the people you love.”

Every person aged 6 months and older needs the flu vaccine every year. People over age 65; infants and young children; pregnant women; and people who have health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease are especially vulnerable. The vaccine offers months of protection but does not last forever. Influenza strains change over time and new vaccines are rolled out each year to best fight the virus. If you had a flu vaccination in a previous year, you still need another this flu season.

Flu and COVID-19
Flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses. While some symptoms may be similar, including fever, cough and fatigue, influenza is caused by a different virus than COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine and booster does not provide protection against the flu, and the flu shot does not protect against COVID-19. However, you can get both vaccines at the same time from your doctor or local pharmacy. If you do not have a doctor, call 2-1-1 for information or visit sccFreeVax.org.

Flu and the common cold
Influenza is not the same as the common cold. Symptoms can be similar, but flu is generally more severe and can begin more abruptly. Common symptoms of flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle or body aches and fatigue.

The Public Health Department recommends the following steps to protect against flu:

• Get a flu vaccine
• Wear a mask in indoor public places, or when you are crowded close to other people
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people
• If you are sick, stay home from work or school
• If you are sick, monitor your symptoms and contact your medical provider if your symptoms are getting worse
• If you are seriously ill and at risk for complications from the flu, contact your medical provider because you may need additional treatment or hospital care

Shots are free to patients while supplies last at County pharmacies, and available via insurance reimbursement or out-of-pocket payment at retail pharmacies and other medical facilities. Immigration or insurance status does not affect vaccine eligibility. No one will ask about your immigration status when you get vaccinated.

For more information about flu and where to get a flu shot, visit sccphd.org/flu.

Upcoming Flu Vaccination Clinics – Drop In Without An Appointment

Every Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 – 5 p.m.
Public Health Department Travel and Immunization Clinic
976 Lenzen Avenue, Suite 1100, San José, CA 95126

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday 1 – 5 p.m.
Santa Clara Valley Health Care Multi-Specialty Clinic
2500 California Street, Suite D, Mountain View, CA 94040

Monday through Friday, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Valley Health Center Vietnamese American Service Center
2410 Senter Road RM 209, San José, CA 95111

Friday, October 14, 4 – 7 p.m.
Public Health Hub Kickoff Event
1775 Story Rd, San José, CA 95122 in the back parking lot on Lido Way

Every Monday through Friday
Additional Valley Health Center locations throughout the County
Make an appointment at vax.sccgov.org

About the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department
The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department focuses on protecting and improving the health of communities through education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, disease and injury prevention, and the promotion of sound health policy.

To learn more about how the Public Health Department serves the people who live, work, study and play in Santa Clara County, please visit our website: www.sccphd.org.