Health Officials Urge Everyone To Get Flu Shot Amid Pandemic
SAN JOSE, Calif. It is hard to imagine the pandemic getting any worse, but something that could do just that is an outbreak of the flu.
Health officials say preventing that from happening is as simple as getting a flu shot.
Hospitals, clinics and other health care providers are making it easier than ever to get a flu shot.
Members were taking advantage of the free flu shot drive through on Wednesday at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in South San Jose.
Among those first in line this morning and eager to share the experience was San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo.
I didnt even feel it, its absolutely easy and its the best thing we can do right now to protect the community, Liccardo said.
The mayor and other officials say its especially important for everyone to get vaccinated against the flu as soon as possible.
They worry that even a typical flu season could test hospital capacity at a time when they are bracing, and planning for a surge of patients resulting from the recent surge in COVID-19.
And as weve seen the number of infections rocket upward, were also starting to see a steady increase in admissions in the ICU, Liccardo said.
Santa Clara County has at least 150 people in the hospital with COVID-19, accounting for a 10-percent spike in hospitalizations.
There is no shortage of flu vaccine, although its not yet clear which strain of flu virus will emerge.
Why Get A Flu Shot
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a flu shot for most people age 6 months and older. And during the ongoing pandemic, it’s more important than ever to be vaccinated: A normal flu season that coincides with a COVID-19 surge could overwhelm our health systems.
The flu vaccine reduces the risk of infection, hospitalization and death. It also protects vulnerable individuals like children, the elderly and people with a weakened immune system , who are more likely to get severely ill. And it reduces the burden on our health care system, already stretched thin from caring for COVID-19 patients. Get your flu shot!
The vaccine is especially important for people at higher risk of complications from the flu, including:
- Pregnant women
- People with certain medical conditions, including asthma, diabetes and chronic lung disease
- People who live with or provide care to infants
- Adults age 65 and older
- Children age 5 and younger
Some people should not get a flu shot without first talking to their health care provider. This includes people who:
- Have had a bad reaction to the flu shot in the past
- Are allergic to chicken eggs
- Have a fever on the day they’re scheduled for a flu shot
Discover more facts about the flu, from symptoms to treatment and complications to watch for.
Kaiser Permanente Flu Shot Clinics Open Soon
Kaiser Permanente has announced their 2019 walk-in flu shot clinics, which will take place from October 12 through 25, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The flu is a serious virus that can cause severe illness. A flu shot can help protect you against the flu, which is why Kaiser doctors recommend that everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu shot every year.
Kaiser members can visit this website to find a location near them.
For more information contact Laura Barnard, human resources, at .
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Flu Shot Clinics At Ucsf
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Last reviewed 12/11/2021
UCSF offers flu shots for patients at clinics in San Francisco, San Mateo, Oakland, and Walnut Creek. Some clinics vaccinate adults, some vaccinate kids, and some do both. See below for clinic details, including locations, dates and times, and where to call for an appointment.
An appointment is required at all our flu shot clinics except the Oakland Outpatient Center . You can self-schedule via MyChart or call the clinic, as noted for each location.
Flu Shots Hard To Find In Bay Area Amid Concerns Of Possible Severe Flu Season
SAN JOSE — The flu season is here, but the vaccine to protect you may be difficult to find as the demand surges.
One Bay Area family told KPIX 5 they were turned away from a pharmacy because of supply issues despite having appointments.
Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned temporary shortages of the flu vaccine could occur between shipments of supplies, such as syringes and needles, as the demand increases.
KPIX 5 conducted a quick search online on Wednesday, including trying to make an appointment at a CVS pharmacy for the flu vaccine in Berkeley. The site, however, said that it was “adding more appointments” and to “check back later.”
In San Jose, the earliest Rite-Aid flu shot is nearly two weeks out. At CVS in San Jose, only three out of two dozen appointments closest to the area code 95126 are scheduling appointments in the next couple of weeks.
This comes as health experts warn the flu season this year will be severe, and some believe the COVID-19 pandemic is to blame.
“The levels of antibodies in the entire population have gotten lower than usual, so that means we have less immunity going around. If the virus circulated again, more people could get sicker,” said Stanford University epidemiologist Dr. Jorge Salinas. “But also because our population is getting tired of some of the measures. Last year was a success when it came to influenza, because we were wearing masks.”
“I’d say go get it, as soon as possible,” Duran told KPIX 5.
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Pediatrics At Mount Zion
2330 Post St., Third Floor, San Francisco
We offer flu shots for children, by appointment only. Self-schedule via MyChart or call 885-7478.
Weekday Flu Nurse Visits in Clinics*Weekdays, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
* Note: At weekday visits, we can accommodate two siblings. For more than two children, a second adult must be present so we can safely distance everyone in multiple exam rooms.
You May Have Received Phone Calls From Company Pretending To Be Kaiser Permanente
If youve received an unsolicited phone call from a number that looks like its coming from Kaiser Permanente but seems very different from other Kaiser Permanente calls or communication, you may have been the recipient of caller ID spoofing.
We are aware that some of our members have recently received phone calls from numbers with a fake Kaiser Permanente caller ID. These callers claim to be calling from or on behalf of Kaiser Permanente but have no actual affiliation with our organization. We apologize for any inconvenience or hardship these calls may cause.
Please know that Kaiser Permanente will not initiate a call to sell you pharmaceuticals nor ask for personal information like your credit card number over the phone. If you receive a suspicious phone call from someone who says they represent Kaiser Permanente, do not provide any personal information, and hang up immediately.
What is spoofing?
Spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information that appears on your caller ID display to disguise their identity. Scammers manipulate the caller ID so that the incoming call appears to be coming from a local or well-known phone number, making you more likely to answer and divulge sensitive personal information.
If you think youve been the victim of a spoofing scam, you can contact our Member Services Department, 650-742-2097. You can also file a complaint with the FCC and visit fcc.gov/spoofing for tips on how to avoid spoofing.
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Where To Get Immunized
Check first with your doctors office or primary care clinic which is often the best and least expensive place to get vaccinated.
For information on COVID-19 vaccine in San Francisco, please visit www.sf.gov/covidvax.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, providers are taking every precaution to keep you safe, wherever you plan to get vaccinated. We understand you may feel a little uneasy about coming into the doctors office, pharmacy or flu clinic this year. Hospitals, clinics and other settings across the city have taken additional safety measures to ensure patients are safe when getting vaccinated. Additional safety measures include separating times for sick and healthy patients, masking requirements, additional disinfecting between appointments, physical distancing in waiting areas and many other precautionary measures to make sure patients stay safe.
Cdc Advises Upgraded Flu Shots For Seniors
AP reports that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says senior citizens, with weaker immune systems, don’t respond well to traditional flu shots and thus they should get newer shots for better coverage. Extreme heat, Roundup herbicide lawsuit, and more are also in public health news.
AP:CDC Panel Recommends US Seniors Get Souped-Up Flu VaccinesAmericans 65 and older should get newer, souped-up flu vaccines because regular shots dont provide them enough protection, a federal advisory panel said Wednesday. The panel unanimously recommended certain flu vaccines that might offer more or longer protection for seniors, whose weakened immune systems dont respond as well to traditional shots.
In other health and wellness news
ABC News:Dangerous Heat To Stretch Through The WeekDangerously high temperatures are slamming the U.S., with heat alerts in effect across more than one dozen states from Texas to West Virginia. In the South, the heat index — what temperature it feels like — is forecast to skyrocket Wednesday to 104 degrees in New Orleans 103 in Little Rock 106 in Memphis 101 in Tallahassee 100 in Atlanta 104 in Louisville and 99 in Knoxville. The North is also in the danger zone, with the heat index set to reach 94 degrees in Pittsburgh and 97 in Columbus, Ohio.
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Do you need a shot every year?
Who should get a flu shot?
It’s especially important for pregnant women, children, older adults, and people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, kidney, heart, or lung disease to get the flu vaccine.
South San Francisco Medical Center
All our facilities are open with normal operating hours, and we continue to have safety measures in place in accordance with state regulations including requiring anyone entering our facilities to wear a mask over their nose and mouth, regardless of vaccination status. View the latest visitor policy.
- 916-784-5987
Plans accepted at this facility
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Vaccine Clinic Times & Locations
See below for clinics operated or supported by San Mateo County Health and scheduled through MyTurn.
San Mateo County Health strongly urges to everyone to get vaccinated immediately wherever the vaccine is available to you.
Vaccines for Children Under 5
Believing that the best place for young children to receive the vaccines is in the care of a pediatric provider, San Mateo County Health will not offer large-scale vaccine clinics to children under 5 or at its community clinics but will instead provide small-scale clinics at Early Head Start sites and staffing and administrative support to interested pediatric providers that serve publicly insured families.
Families seeking vaccines for children under 5 should contact their pediatric care provider to schedule an appointment. Other options include Walgreens and CVS . Information is also available on MyTurn.
Eligible for a Second Booster?
Your first option is your primary health care provider or a pharmacy. You can also book an appointment through the states MyTurn system.
County Healths community clinics will provide boosters for walk-ins now, but we recommend booking an appointment on MyTurn to avoid long waits.
In-Home COVID-19 Vaccinations and Boosters
In-home COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are available to residents unable to leave home due to age, disability, or medical reason. Use MyTurn to schedule an in-home vaccination appointment .
Interested in Bringing a Vaccine Event at Your Site?
Minuteclinics In South San Francisco
Benefit from safe, in-person care at a walk-in clinic in South San Francisco by going to one of the 2 MinuteClinics® near the city. From the suburbs to the heart of the city, and over to the campus at San Francisco State University, you don’t have to go too far to get medical support.If you have a minor illness like an ear infection or a stye, or a minor injury like a splinter or bug bite, MinuteClinic® can help you get better. You will receive professional assistance at a lower cost than a visit to Urgent Care in South San Francisco or a visit to Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco Medical Center. If you are feeling too sick to stop in, but are seeking professional advice, you can make a telehealth appointment.
South San Francisco Clinics
Locals in South San Francisco enjoy getting to know the area and its numerous highlights, but going out to explore San Francisco RV Resort can lead to injuries, from ticks to uncomfortable rashes and assorted wounds. A visit to a walk-in clinic in South San Francisco, California helps heal your injuries so you can return to what you love, like spending the day at Kelham Beach.Your local South San Francisco walk-in clinic does more than help you address minor injuries and illnesses, it is also a provider of wellness checks, physicals, immunizations, and a lot more.
South San Francisco MinuteClinic® Services
Stop in or schedule an appointment at a MinuteClinic® to take advantage of the following services:
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Find Flu Shot Clinic Information At Kporg/flu
Having a bad case of the flu and the chills, aches, and fever that come with it can really put a damper on your winter fun. But thankfully, there’s a way to lower your chances of that happening.
“A flu shot is your best protection against catching the flu,” says Al Ray, MD, Chair of the Flu Immunization Task Force at Kaiser Permanente. The flu virus changes often, and the protection from the vaccine only lasts for about a year. That’s why you should get a flu shot every year, preferably in the fall.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all adults, and children 6 months and older, get vaccinated against the flu. The shots are safe and wont make you sick. And getting vaccinated doesn’t just help protect you. It also helps make sure you don’t spread the flu to other people.
We’re now offering flu shot clinics at most of our facilities for members. Check online to find phone numbers, dates, and locations, and then head on over to get vaccinated.
Flu Shots Still Available At Our Injection Clinics
The flu is more serious than the common cold. Protect what you love from serious health risks by getting your annual no cost flu shot. Flu vaccinations are available for adults and children, 6 months and older. No appointment is needed just walk in. Please bring your photo ID and wear a mask.
- South San Francisco Medical Offices
- Monday Friday, 9 a.m. 4:30 p.m.Adult Clinic, 4th floorPediatric Clinic, 2nd floor
Now through March 31, members can also get a flu shot at no additional cost from select retailers including Walgreens, Costco, CVS, Rite-Aid, Safeway, and Walmart. See more information at kp.org/flu.
Flu shot dates and locations are subject to change. Before you visit, go to kp.org/flu or call 1-800-573-5811 for the most up-to-date information and other Kaiser Permanente flu clinic locations.
Para información sobre los horarios y los lugares de vacunación, llame al 1-800-573-5811.
, 1-800-573-5811.
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Frequently Asked Questions :
- Where is Kaiser Permanente Orchid Center in South San Francisco?
Kaiser Permanente Orchid Center in South San Francisco is located at: 1200 El Camino Real, South San Francisco, California.
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You can try to dialing this number: +16507422230
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Latitude: 37.6591686622
South San Francisco Oncology – Kaiser Permanente thrive.kaiserpermanente.orgFind out more about Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco’s Oncology … We are located in the Orchid Center, 1200 El Camino Real, South San Francisco. … Current space limitation prevents us from inviting more than one guest. For safety …
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South San Francisco Gastroenterology – Kaiser Permanente thrive.kaiserpermanente.orgKaiser Permanente South San Francisco Medical Center. Gastroenterology is a medical specialty that deals with diseases of the … Location Orchid Center Hospital and Main Campus 1200 El Camino Real South San Francisco, CA 94080
What Is Antibody Testing For A Past Covid
Antibodies are proteins that help fight off infections. An antibody blood test looks for antibodies in a persons blood. Kaiser Permanente is participating in research to help us learn more about COVID-19 antibodies.
Were not recommending antibody testing outside of research studies at this time. Antibody testing has limited clinical value and should not be used to diagnose active infection, determine immunity to COVID-19, make decisions about returning to work, or assess the need for vaccination in an unvaccinated person.
The CDC doesnt recommend getting an antibody test to determine if you need a COVID-19 vaccine or to check your immunity after being vaccinated.
Yes, but please keep in mind that we arent recommending antibody testing outside of research studies at this time because it has limited clinical value. However, Kaiser Permanente will provide antibody testing upon request for members who:
- Have no current COVID-19 symptoms and
- Had symptoms but dont anymore. It needs to have been more than 14 days since the onset of COVID-19 symptoms or a positive PCR test and
- Have not had an antibody test in the last 30 days .
- Are a pediatric patient being evaluated for Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children.
If you have symptoms now, you shouldn’t get the antibody test. You should .
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