Flu Care
Flu Care in San Diego
Learn how to get a flu vaccine, view frequently asked questions and more.
It's more important than ever for you and your loved ones to get a flu vaccine. We'll help you navigate this year's flu season, unlike any before with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. From where to get a flu shot, to finding a doctor to helping you stay healthy, we'll keep you updated on the latest recommendations and guidelines.
We'll be adding more information and resources throughout the flu season.
Where can I get a flu vaccine?
Getting your flu vaccine is more important than ever. Learn how you can get vaccinated:
- Flu vaccines for Sharp Community Medical Group patients
- Sharp Coronado Community Pharmacy — Flu vaccines, including the high-dose flu shot for those 65 and older, are available Monday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm.
- MinuteClinics located in CVS stores
- Call 211 or visit the San Diego Immunization Branch website
Frequently asked questions about the flu.
Is the flu vaccine effective?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during seasons when the flu vaccine viruses are similar to circulating flu viruses, the flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor with flu by 40 to 60 percent. If you are exposed to a strain in the vaccine you receive, the infection will be less severe or even negligible.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
People ages 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine as directed by their health care providers. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about the vaccine.
How does the flu vaccine work?
The flu vaccine causes antibodies to develop in the body. These antibodies provide protection against the influenza virus infection.
It generally takes two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in your body. In the meantime, you are still at risk for getting the flu, which is why we recommend vaccination as early as possible.
Why do I need to get vaccinated every year?
Flu viruses change from year to year, which means you can get the flu more than once in your lifetime. A vaccine that provides protection from one strain of the virus may not protect you against a new strain of the virus the following year.
Are there alternatives to the flu shot?
The nasal spray vaccine may be an option for healthy, non-pregnant, non-immunocompromised patients between ages 2 and 49.
Can I get the flu vaccine when I'm sick?
You should not get the flu vaccine if you are experiencing a moderate to severe illness with a fever. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.
What are some symptoms of the flu?
Flu symptoms include:
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
What are similar symptoms of the flu and COVID-19?
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Body aches
- Chills
- Fatigue
Will having the flu make me more susceptible to COVID-19?
While there is no clinical evidence so far to suggest that having the flu increases your susceptibility of getting COVID-19, it's possible to have both at the same time. The risk of having more severe symptoms and complications would then be higher or last for longer.
How can I learn more about the flu?
Check out our resources to learn more:
And read these resources from other organizations:
Read flu news.
How COVID-19 has affected this year’s flu season
Could there be a silver lining to the pandemic? Current flu numbers suggest it’s possible.
Is a nasal spray flu vaccine effective?
Will a new nasal spray flu vaccine protect you as well as the shot? Yes — maybe better.
Should I get the flu shot if I had COVID-19?
The short answer is yes, but timing is essential.
We'll help find the doctor who's right for you.
View doctors specializing in primary care in San Diego.
Dr. Jorge Mota
"The Sharp Experience means providing the highest standards of medical care for every patient."
Dr. Roger Oen
"My interest is in providing care for the patient as a whole."
Dr. Richard Mugol
"The Sharp Experience means listening to the patient, showing compassion and empathy, and striving for optimal doctor-patient communication."
Dr. Sharna Shachar
"I have been in practice since 1991."
Dr. Tim Gurtch
"My definition of a good doctor is giving the best medical care possible and being available when the patient needs you."
Dr. Luz Yee Fernandez
"The Sharp Experience is providing quality care with compassion and respect."
Dr. Sung Song
"The Sharp Experience means providing the best care by the whole organization."
Dr. Jason Spring
"The Sharp Experience represents meaningful patient care."
Dr. Michael Wilson
"I create a caring environment and listen to my patients to assist them in achieving optimal health."
Dr. Jamie Switzer
"I have been in practice since 1993."
Dr. Jose Pena
"My goal is to provide the best care possible."
Dr. Albana Smurlo
"My goal is to provide excellent care to my patients in a caring, compassionate manner."
