This upcoming cold and flu season will be much different than prior years.
We are battling the global COVID-19 pandemic, for which there is currently no vaccine, and will soon have another significant virus circulating in the community: influenza or “the flu”. Influenza can cause many of the same symptoms of COVID-19 and can result in similar illness or even death. The good news is that there is a vaccine for influenza and as a result, we encourage all of our patients to get vaccinated as soon as possible to ensure protection by the time the flu season is underway.
Flu shots are particularly important this upcoming flu season to prevent patients from potentially becoming ill with both COVID-19 and influenza – especially for those at increased medical risk for severe complications should they contract flu or COVID-19.
As the flu season rapidly approaches, updated guidance for influenza vaccination for the 2020-2021 Flu Season has been released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Please note how and where patients get a flu vaccine has had to change due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Flu shots are reserved for current Sansum Clinic patients and available while supplies last.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are reserving flu shots for the 2020-2021 flu season for patients of Sansum Clinic to ensure they can get vaccinated, while also following social distancing guidelines and other safety precautions to protect patients and staff.
As in prior years, routine annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months and older.
Children under 12 years of age will be given the flu vaccine only at the Pediatrics Department at 51 Hitchcock Way.
Patients age 65 and older will be provided high dose vaccines, as appropriate, at any of our sites where adults are vaccinated, while supplies last.
Influenza vaccination should not be delayed to procure a specific vaccine preparation, if an appropriate one is already available.
Pregnant women can receive a flu shot at any of our sites where adults are vaccinated.
Flu shots will be billed to insurance and documented in the patient’s medical record. All patients of Sansum Clinic are encouraged to get a flu shot.
For the safety of our staff who are providing flu shots, no dogs please, even if you are receiving your flu shot in the car.
Flu Shot Options for Sansum Clinic Patients
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to ensure social distancing, the Senior Expo at Earl Warren Showgrounds will not be happening this year. However, we are working with the local Public Health Department and various other members of the Senior Expo team to get the vaccine out to low income high risk adults and seniors. Sansum Clinic will be donating 1000 influenza vaccine doses to this effort.
