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San Diego County Launches Dual Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination Drive for the Holidays

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 10:50 GMT by Patch

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San Diego County Health Officials Urge Residents to Get Flu and COVID‑19 Shots Before the Holiday Season

As the winter months roll in and families plan for gatherings, travel, and holiday celebrations, the San Diego County Health Department is launching a joint push to get residents vaccinated against both influenza and COVID‑19. The campaign—co‑branded as “Get Vaccinated, Stay Safe” in the county’s social‑media feeds—underscores the importance of staying protected against two illnesses that can put hospitals under strain and jeopardize the health of the county’s most vulnerable populations.

1. The Dual‑Vaccine Initiative

In a statement issued Monday, County Health Commissioner Dr. Maria Gonzales highlighted the synergy between flu and COVID‑19 vaccination efforts. “With flu season at its peak and COVID‑19 continuing to circulate in new variants, the best way to safeguard our communities is to combine our preventive tools,” she said. The initiative is a partnership between the County Health Department, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens, and Rite‑Aid.

The county’s health website now hosts a single “Vaccines” page that links to both the CDC’s flu‑shot locator and the COVID‑19 vaccine distribution hub. Residents can view their local availability, book appointments online, or simply walk in to a community health center or a pharmacy.

2. Why the Timing Matters

Holiday Travel and Social Gatherings
The article cites the CDC’s recommendation that anyone traveling or attending indoor gatherings in December should be up to date on both vaccines. “We’re seeing an uptick in people returning to the hospital with severe respiratory illness during this period,” Dr. Gonzales noted. “The combined protection of both vaccines drastically reduces the likelihood of a severe illness that requires intensive care.”

Seasonal Peaks and Hospital Capacity
According to the county’s Hospital Utilization Report, influenza admissions often spike between mid‑December and mid‑January. Adding a surge in COVID‑19 hospitalizations could overwhelm resources. The dual‑vaccination strategy, the health department says, “helps maintain bed availability for all patients, not just those with COVID‑19.”

3. Vaccine Availability and Types

Flu Vaccine
The county offers the quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV), which covers four strains—two influenza A and two influenza B. “We’ve stocked up on the 2024–2025 flu vaccine,” the health department announced. The vaccine is available in both a shot and a nasal spray formulation for adults aged 18–49 who prefer a non‑injection option.

COVID‑19 Vaccine
All residents aged 12 and older are eligible for the latest COVID‑19 booster, which includes updated bivalent formulas targeting the Omicron subvariants. “If you haven’t had a booster in the past six months, we strongly encourage you to get it now,” Dr. Gonzales advised. The county’s partnership with local pharmacies ensures that vaccine appointments can be scheduled online or through the county’s “Vaccine Now” app.

4. Who Should Get Vaccinated?

The article lists priority groups that are especially encouraged to get both shots:

1. Older adults (65+ years) – The CDC recommends a flu shot for every resident over 65, and a COVID‑19 booster for this age group to mitigate severe outcomes.
2. People with chronic illnesses – Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung disease, or weakened immune systems increase risk.
3. Pregnant individuals – Vaccination is advised to protect both mother and baby from severe disease.
4. Front‑line workers and caregivers – Those in healthcare, education, and essential services are urged to stay current.
5. Children and teens (ages 6–17) – While the flu vaccine is available for all, COVID‑19 boosters for this age group are optional but recommended for those who have not been fully vaccinated.

5. How to Get Vaccinated

The article outlines three main routes to receive the shots:

1. County Health Clinics – Free or low‑cost vaccines are offered at the Downtown Health Center and the East County Clinic. Walk‑in hours are from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.
2. Mass Immunization Sites – During December, the county is running weekend pop‑up sites at the San Diego Convention Center and the West‑Coast Stadium. These sites are designed for rapid triage and vaccination.
3. Retail Pharmacies – The county’s health page lists participating pharmacies with extended hours. Many offer same‑day appointments or “no‑appointment needed” walk‑ins for adults. Children can receive a flu shot at the pharmacy without an appointment.

For detailed instructions, residents can visit the county’s “Vaccination” portal (https://sdcountyhealth.gov/vaccines), which offers a step‑by‑step guide, FAQs, and a vaccination history tracker.

6. Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy

A section of the article quotes local community leaders who have been skeptical of COVID‑19 vaccines but have embraced flu shots. “It’s not that I distrust science,” said Maya Patel, a high‑school teacher. “I just wanted something proven. The flu vaccine is over 50 years old and still works.” County officials responded by sharing evidence from the CDC that the COVID‑19 vaccine has a safety profile comparable to other widely used vaccines.

Additionally, the article references a local “Ask a Doctor” livestream scheduled for December 12th, where residents can ask health experts about vaccine safety, efficacy, and potential side effects. The stream will also discuss how the two vaccines interact and the optimal timing for receiving both shots.

7. Resources and Links

• County Health Department Vaccines Page – https://sdcountyhealth.gov/vaccines
• CDC Flu Shot Locator – https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines-work/flu-shot-locator.html
• CDC COVID‑19 Vaccination Guidance – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccination-eligibility.html
• Vaccine Now App – (download on iOS and Android)
• Ask a Doctor Live Stream – Date: December 12; Time: 7 pm; Platform: County’s Facebook Live

The county’s Health Department is also coordinating with the San Diego County Hospital System to monitor vaccination rates and adjust supply accordingly.

8. Bottom Line

With a comprehensive push to get both the flu vaccine and the COVID‑19 booster, the San Diego County Health Department is providing residents with a clear, accessible pathway to protect themselves and their loved ones during a historically high‑risk period. The message is unequivocal: Get vaccinated, stay safe, and enjoy the holidays with confidence. The county is reminding everyone that the combined use of these vaccines is the most effective tool in preventing severe illness, reducing hospital load, and keeping the community healthy as winter approaches.