Free flu shots to be offered to families who haven’t been vaccinated this season

If you have not received a flu vaccine, you soon have the opportunity to receive one for free.

Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System (SVMHS) is partnering with the Monterey County Health Department to offer free flu vaccines to families who haven’t been vaccinated this season. SVMHS is hosting two flu clinics in October and November – one at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital in Salinas and a second clinic at the Taylor Farms Family Health & Wellness Center in Gonzales.

“Flu vaccines can help keep families healthy during the flu season,” says Pete Delgado President/CEO of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. “We are offering these vaccines to the public for free and hope people take advantage of this opportunity. Salinas Valley Memorial is committed to the health and wellness of the community.”

In addition to the flu vaccine, limited doses of the Pneumonia and Tdap vaccines will also be made available to the public for free. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people over the age of 65 get a Pneumonia vaccine. The CDC recommends a single dose of Tdap vaccine for people ages 11 and older who have not previously received it.

The first community flu clinic will take place Saturday, October 21st between 11am to 2pm. The walk-up clinic will be located in the parking lot in front of Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital at 450 East Romie Lane in Salinas, corner of Wilgart Way and East Romie Lane. Free valet parking is located in the parking garage adjacent to the clinic. The second flu clinic will take place Saturday, November 4th between 11am and 2pm at the Taylor Farms Family Health & Wellness Center, 850 5th Street in Gonzales.

The free flu clinics will provide traditional shots as official say it’s the “most effective vaccine.”

Registered nurses from SVMHS will be administrating the free vaccines on a first come, first serve basis and quantities are limited. You can find more information on the flu clinic at www.svmh.com/flu or call (831) 757- 3627.