Starting Oct. 1, free flu shots will be offered to people who get tested for COVID-19 at certain Contra Costa County testing sites.
Also next month, the County is set to host a series of free one-day flu vaccination clinics.
The free flu shots are part of a broader County effort to ensure more people are vaccinated ahead of flu season. Health officials worry hospitals could become overwhelmed with caring for both flu patients and COVID-19 patients during the upcoming flu season. Also, people can get sick with COVID and flu at the same time, possibly increasing risk for hospitalization, officials said.
Flu season in the Bay Area tends to peak in January or February but can be unpredictable.
“Offering flu vaccine at COVID testing sites will let people cross two things off their to-do list at once,” said Dr. Chris Farnitano, Contra Costa County’s health officer.
There is currently no vaccine for COVID.
A list of testing site offering free flu shots can be found on the County’s Get Tested page. Initial locations offering flu vaccine are in Antioch, Concord, Richmond and San Ramon. For more information about influenza, visit cchealth.org/flu.
