REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — San Mateo County Health is urging residents to get vaccinated against influenza (flu) ahead of the holiday season and is offering free flu shots at walk-in clinics across the county for people without health insurance.

The clinics are part of County Health's efforts to make flu vaccination accessible as respiratory virus season gets underway. No appointment, identification or health insurance is required.

Health officials recommend that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine each year. Vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death, particularly among older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with certain chronic health conditions.

“Flu can cause serious illness, especially for young children, older adults and people with underlying health conditions,” said Dr. Kismet Baldwin-Santana, San Mateo County health officer. “Getting vaccinated now is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and the people around you before holiday gatherings begin.” 

Upcoming Free Flu Vaccine Clinics

County Health is working with local health care providers and community partners to offer free flu vaccines at locations throughout San Mateo County.

Upcoming clinics include:

• Friday, Nov. 6: Daly City Health Center, 380 90th St., first floor, Daly City, 5 to 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 7: Ravenswood Family Health Network, 1885 Bay Road, East Palo Alto, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 7: Fair Oaks Health Center, 2710 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 7: College of San Mateo, 1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd., Health and Wellness Building, third floor, San Mateo, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Thursday, Nov. 12: Ravenswood Family Health Network, 1885 Bay Road, East Palo Alto, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

• Saturday, Nov. 14: Coastside Health Center, 225 S. Cabrillo Highway, Suite 100A, Half Moon Bay, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Saturday, Nov. 14: Ravenswood Family Health Network, 1885 Bay Road, East Palo Alto, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

• Saturday, Nov. 14: College of San Mateo, 1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd., Health and Wellness Building, third floor, San Mateo, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Additional clinics are scheduled throughout November, including in Half Moon Bay.

Flu vaccines are available at no cost to uninsured residents. High-dose flu vaccines are also available for adults 65 and older. Age requirements vary by location, and some clinics cannot vaccinate children younger than 2 or 3.

Residents should check the full schedule at smchealth.org/flu for current clinic dates, locations, hours and age requirements before attending.

Residents with health insurance should contact their health care provider or pharmacy to get vaccinated. Flu vaccines are covered by most health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal.