Placer County Health and Human Services has planned two more flu shot clinics - one in Auburn and one in Roseville. The public is reminded that getting a flu shot may help you stay healthy.
“Seasonal flu can leave you or your family members feeling miserable with fever, cough, runny nose and muscle pain, and unable to go to school or work,” said Dr. Mark Starr, Director of the Placer County Community Health and Clinics Division. “Getting a flu shot is an excellent way to reduce your chances of getting the flu.”
The optimal time to receive a vaccination is October, November and December as influenza activity usually peaks in temperate areas between late December and early March.
Here is a list of additional low cost flu shot clinics sponsored by Placer County Health and Human Services:
- Tuesday, Dec. 9, 10 AM to 2 PM, at the Multipurpose Senior Center in Auburn, 11577 E Avenue, Placer County Government Center (DeWitt).
- Thursday, Dec. 11, 9 AM to Noon, at the Veterans Memorial Hall in Roseville, 110 Park Drive.
Flu shots are $20. The cost may be reduced based on income (sliding fee scale). There is no charge to MediCare members with Part B who can show their MediCare cards and who are not enrolled in an HMO plan.
There is plenty of flu vaccine for anyone who wants a flu shot.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and California Department of Public Health recommend that the following groups receive flu vaccinations:
- Adults aged 50 and older.
- All women who are or will be pregnant during influenza season.
- All children 6 months to 18 years of age.
- Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities.
- Healthcare workers with direct patient care. New state law requires acute care hospitals to offer vaccine to all employees free of charge.
- Individuals with underlying chronic medical conditions.
- Individuals who live with or care for an elderly individual, a child less than 5 years of age, or a person with chronic medical conditions.
Children younger than nine years of age getting a flu vaccine for the first time will need two doses of flu vaccine. This year in addition to flu injections, Placer County has available limited amounts of vaccine that can be administered by nasal spray rather than by injection for those who meet medical guidelines.