Timing: California’s flu season typically lags behind other parts of the country, often peaking in February instead of December or January, making late October the ideal time for vaccination. infectious disease experts look to Australia’s influenza season to gain clues for how the flu will play out here.Įligibility: Influenza vaccines are available for all individuals aged 6 months and older, with additional formulations for older adults. The forecast is based on the southern hemisphere’s flu season, which is nearing its end. This year’s flu vaccine is expected to be a relatively good match against the circulating strains of the virus, which could signal a more predictable, less severe winter respiratory season. New COVID vaccine: CVS, Walgreens offering appointments in the Bay Area Influenza Commercially available shots are $115-$130 per dose. Locations will be listed on the government’s website, California residents can schedule an appointment by visiting myturn.ca.gov.
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However, uninsured or underinsured individuals can obtain free shots through health departments, clinics, and select pharmacies.
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“Having vaccines approved is not enough-getting vaccinated is necessary for protection.”Ĭost: Most Americans can access the shots for free through private insurance or Medicare. Vaccination may also cut the risk of suffering the effects of long COVID, which can develop following acute infection and last for months or years. “The best protection against COVID-19 and the possibility of serious illness remains staying up to date with vaccinations, including the latest vaccine,” said Carlos del Rio, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. “Although hospitalization rates are currently low, we have seen rates increase in recent weeks and anticipate further increases as we enter respiratory virus season,” said Megan Wallace, an epidemiologist at the CDC. The FDA refers to this round as a vaccine updated to better match the currently circulating virus, targeting the omicron variant XBB.1.5, rather than a “booster.” While this variant is no longer dominant, the shot provides substantial cross-protection against newer strains like EG.5 and BA.2.86, primarily guarding against severe COVID-19 cases. About 21% of Californians are up-to-date on their shots. However, immunity diminishes over time, and the virus produces new variants. Reasons to get vaccinated: COVID-19 hospitalizations have been increasing since late summer, albeit not to the same extent as the previous year, thanks to prior immunity from vaccinations and infections. The CDC says there is no difference in effectiveness or side effects if people get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines simultaneously, although one in each arm might be more comfortable. It is safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as getting vaccinated against the flu and RSV. Others may prefer to wait until mid-October for increased protection against potential winter outbreaks. Those with upcoming travel plans or visits to high-risk individuals may choose to get vaccinated immediately, as it takes around two weeks after vaccination for the body to build immunity. Timing: Vaccinations are expected to start this week. Younger children may need additional doses depending on their vaccination and infection history. This approach is in line with making COVID-19 vaccinations routine like annual flu shots. Novavax, a third vaccine manufacturer, is awaiting FDA review for its updated protein-based vaccine.Įligibility: The fall round of COVID-19 vaccinations is available to adults and children age 6 months and older, with most individuals from age 5 able to receive a single dose, even if they haven’t previously been vaccinated against COVID-19. Salgu Wissmath/The Chronicle 2022 Show More Show Less Nurse Marilyn Antonio, left, puts a bandage on Natalie Liu after giving her a flu shot at Kaiser Permanente City Center Vaccination Clinic in San Francisco. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle 2021 Show More Show Less 3 of3 The fall round of COVID vaccinations is available to adults and children age 6 months and older. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle 2019 Show More Show Less 2 of3Ī tray of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine sits next to a tray of lollipops in an examination room at Golden Gate Pediatrics in San Francisco. Late October is the ideal time for flu vaccination in California. Rubi Hernandez, right, of Sunnyvale, gets a flu shot at the Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara flu clinic from Sheila Aldana in October 2019.
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