It’s that time of the year

Emanuel Dorantes, Staff Writer
November 3, 2020

San Diego County health officials say free flu shots will be offered at six events in the coming days, just as flu season picks up around the county.

Health officials say this helps lower the risk of San Diegans getting influenza and the coronavirus at the same time and prevent the local healthcare system from being overwhelmed.

Here are the clinics and their times they are offering free flu shots.

The first flu shot clinic opened on October 22 at North Central Public Health Center, 5055 Ruffin Road.

  • Monday-Wednesday: 8:00-11:00 & 1:00-4:00
  • Thursdays 1:00-4:00

Other places offering flu shots:

South Public Health Center, 690 Oxford Street, Chula Vista.

North Coastal Public Health Center, 3609 Ocean Ranch Blvd, Oceanside.

  • By appointment only 760-967-4401

Central Region Public Health Center, 5202 University Avenue, San Diego.

East Public Health Center, 367 N. Magnolia Avenue, El Cajon.

  • Appointments preferred 619-401-3995
  • Monday-Wednesday & Fridays 8:00-11:00 & 1:00-4:00
  • Thursdays 1:00-4:00

North Inland Public Health Center, 640 W. Mission Ave #2, Escondido.

  • By appointment only 760-740-3000

“The clinics are free and primarily for people with no medical insurance,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer. “We want everyone to be protected against the flu and its possible complications.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months of age and older get a flu shot every year.

With flu season on the horizon and the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, San Diego County public health officials are urging locals to get their flu shots as soon as possible – and for free, too.

County health officials say getting a flu shot this year is especially important due to the coronavirus pandemic, which is still impacting our region. The hope is that if more people get the flu vaccine, then there will be fewer flu-related hospital visits to facilities that are already very busy.