San Mateo County residents without health insurance can get free flu shots at multiple locations this week
San Mateo County, California – San Mateo County residents without health insurance have several chances to get a free flu shot before holiday gatherings begin. Walk-in clinics will bring vaccines to communities from East Palo Alto to Half Moon Bay, with no appointment or identification required.
The timing matters. As respiratory virus season gets underway, County Health is encouraging residents to get vaccinated before the holiday calendar fills up, particularly those most likely to become seriously ill from influenza.
Health officials recommend an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death. Older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with certain chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable to complications.
“Flu can cause serious illness, especially for young children, older adults and people with underlying health conditions,” said Dr. Kismet Baldwin-Santana, San Mateo County health officer.
“Getting vaccinated now is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and the people around you before holiday gatherings begin.”
County Health is working with local health care providers and community partners to make the shots available across the county. Four upcoming clinic sessions offer uninsured residents options on Thursday, Nov. 12, and Saturday, Nov. 14.
In East Palo Alto, Ravenswood Family Health Network will hold a clinic on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 1885 Bay Road. Vaccinations will be available from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. A second session at the same address is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14, during those same morning hours.
Half Moon Bay residents can visit Coastside Health Center on Saturday, Nov. 14. That clinic will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 225 S. Cabrillo Highway, Suite 100A.
Also on Nov. 14, the College of San Mateo will offer vaccinations from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The clinic will be on the third floor of the Health and Wellness Building at 1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd. in San Mateo.
Additional clinics are scheduled throughout November, including more opportunities in Half Moon Bay. High-dose flu vaccines are also available for adults 65 and older.
Families should check eligibility before choosing a location. Although the general recommendation covers children beginning at 6 months old, individual clinics have different age requirements. Some cannot vaccinate children younger than 2 or 3.
Residents can review the County Health flu clinic schedule for current dates, addresses, hours and age limits before attending.
The free clinics are intended for people without health insurance. Residents who have coverage should contact their health care provider or pharmacy to arrange vaccination. Most health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal, cover flu vaccines.
