With the start of fall and winter marking the beginning of the respiratory virus season, San Mateo County Health officials are urging residents aged six months and older to get both the seasonal flu vaccine and the updated COVID-19 shot, recently approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Health experts emphasize the importance of immunization against both viruses as respiratory illnesses tend to spread more rapidly due to increased indoor activity and holiday travel during these months according to San Mateo County Health.
NEWS: San Mateo County Health officials urge residents six months & older to get the seasonal flu vaccine and the updated COVID-19 shot, which was approved yesterday by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Read the full news release ⬇️ https://t.co/64YjonEdev @SMCHealth
— County of San Mateo (@sanmateoco) September 14, 2023
Since more activities are taking place indoors and COVID-19 is also more transmissible in confined spaces, the risk of illness is elevated during this time. In response, the CDC recommends receiving the flu and COVID vaccines simultaneously. Residents are advised to contact their primary health care provider or local pharmacy for both vaccines, which are available at no cost for those with insurance. Many pharmacies also offer free COVID-19 vaccinations to residents without insurance – individuals should call or check pharmacy websites for further information. Residents without health coverage can reach out to County Health at (650) 573-2877 or email [email protected] to find out how to access flu and COVID-19 vaccines at no cost.
San Mateo Medical Center, catering to its patients, is in the process of updating its systems and procedures to accommodate the new COVID-19 guidelines. Vaccination will be offered after the updated COVID-19 vaccine becomes available. Patients assigned to SMMC should contact their clinic for more information and to secure an appointment.
Health experts stress the importance of staying up to date on both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. Flu vaccines are formulated annually to specifically target the strains of influenza expected to circulate during the fall and winter months. Likewise, the updated COVID-19 vaccine addresses recently circulating variants and provides broad protection against the worst outcomes of the disease. “If you are eligible, this is a good time to get both influenza and updated COVID vaccines to help protect you from severe illness and hospitalization in the upcoming respiratory virus season,” said San Mateo County Health Officer Dr. Kismet Baldwin-Santana.
Respiratory virus season also brings an uptick in cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a virus that causes symptoms similar to those of COVID-19 and the flu. The CDC states that a single dose of the RSV vaccine may be given to adults 60 years and older, based on discussions between the patient and their healthcare provider. RSV vaccine might be administered at the same time as other vaccines. Residents should consult with their healthcare providers for guidance.
Individuals seeking health coverage options in San Mateo County, or information on assistance for themselves and their families, can contact the Health Coverage Unit at (650) 616-2002.
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