Flu vaccine expected to be more effective this year
It’s that time of year again and flu season is upon us.
Health officials say now is the time to get vaccinated since it can take about 2 weeks to start working.
Mary Means, a substitute teacher in Monterey County, did just that Saturday morning.
“It’s always good to get a flu shot, especially when you work with children,” Means said.
Means said it doesn’t hurt as much when it’s free.
The Monterey County Health Department is now hosting no cost flu vaccine clinics throughout the county until mid-November.
“We encourage the community to please take advantage of these services,” Salinas City Councilwoman Gloria De La Rosa said, who is also a nurse.
Some in the community may need a little more encouragement this year. Last year’s vaccine wasn’t that effective because the virus mutated, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“The 2014, 2015 season had the highest hospitalization rate for seniors that we have ever documented,” CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden said.
The CDC also determined 145 children died, but that number is most likely even higher because not all cases are diagnosed correctly.
The good news — this season’s vaccine is expected to be much more effective.
“All signs show it’s going to be a great match, and it’s a great way to get protected against the flu,” Monterey County Health Dept. Epidemiologist Kristy Michie said.
Everyone 6 months and older is encouraged to get one, but especially the young and elderly, pregnant women, and anyone with underlying health problems.
“Still, healthy people need to vaccinated too because when we’re vaccinated, we protect those around us, who might be more susceptible from getting disease,” Michie said.
And healthy individuals between the ages of 2 and 49 can opt for the nasal spray, which actually covers one more strain than the vaccine.
Health officials say the vaccination is safe, and that you can’t get sick from it.
If you do get sick after a vaccination, they say it’s probably because you caught the flu before, or your body is building up antibodies, which can cause some mild flu-like symptoms.
Free clinic schedule:
Sunday, October 11th – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Binational Health Week Closing Event, Closter Park, 401 Towt St, Salinas
Tuesday, October 13th – 11:00 am – 2:00 pm – CSUMB, Student Center, West Lounge
Wednesday, October 14th – 4:00 pm -7:00 pm – North Monterey County High School, 13990 Castroville Blvd, Castroville
Tuesday, October 20th – 9:00 am – 2:00 pm – Life Foundation Building, Classroom 110, 1000 S Main Street, Salinas
Wednesday, October 21st – 4:00 pm -7:00 pm- Palma High School, 919 Iverson St, Salinas (Ages 2 years and older)
Thursday, October 22nd – 4:00 pm -7:00 pm – Tularcitos Elementary, 35 Ford Rd, Carmel Valley
Tuesday, October 27th – 4:00 pm -7:00 pm – San Ardo Elementary, 62428 Center St, San Ardo (Ages 2 years and older)
Wednesday, October 28th – 4:00 pm -7:00 pm – Seaside High School, 220 Noche Buena Street, Seaside (Ages 2 yrs & older)
Friday, October 30th – 4:00 pm -7:00 pm – Del Rey Elementary, 502 King St., King City
Sunday, November 1st – 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Cachagua Preschool, Nason Road, Cachagua
Tuesday, November 3rd – 4:00 pm -7:00 pm – Mary Chapa Literacy & Technology Academy, 490 El Camino Real, Greenfield
Wednesday, November 4th – 4:00 pm -7:00 pm – Parjaro Middle School, 250 Salinas Rd, Watsonville (Age 2 years and older)
Thursday, November 5th – 11:00 am – 2:00 pm – Breadbox, 745 North Sanborn Road, Salinas (Ages 2 years and older)
Thursday, November 5th – 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Main Street Middle, 441 Main Street, Soledad (Ages 2 years and older)
Saturday, November 7th – 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, 450 East Romie Lane, Salinas
Saturday, November 14th – 9:00am -12:00pm – Taylor Farms Wellness Center, Gonzalez
Wednesday, November 18th – 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Headstart, 901 Blanco Circle, Salinas
Thursdays, November 19th – 2:00 pm -4:00 pm – Oldemeyer Center, 986 Hilby Street, Salinas
