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 Rees-Stealy patients
- 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.
What you need to know about this year’s flu vaccine
The flu vaccine is more important than ever this year. Here’s why.
Flu and older adults
People age 65 and older are at higher risk for complications from the flu.
5 reasons the flu vaccine is more important than ever
Flu season will begin while we’re still managing the spread of COVID-19.
We'll help find the doctor who's right for you.
View doctors specializing in primary care in San Diego.
Dr. Kevin Malone
"I strive to provide a most sensitive high quality care to all patients."
Dr. Elizabeth Salada
"My goal is to heal, promote health and encourage wellness in all phases of life."
Dr. Mary Pikus
"I believe it's important for patients to take an active role in their health care."
Dr. Marco Gonzalez
"I believe the best patient care is given when there is good communication."
Dr. Marsha Blount
"I enjoy being a patient advocate and providing thorough and compassionate care."
Dr. Amro Mahmoud
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Dr. Larry Chiang
"Patient participation through informed decision making is paramount to a successful treatment strategy."
Dr. Brent Rathbun
"My goal is to empower patients to improve their health so they can take advantage of all the things life has to offer."
Dr. Jose Pelayo
"It is my goal to improve my patients' physical, psychological and social well-being."
Dr. Troy Niguidula
"I have been in practice since 1998."
Dr. Elaine Curtis
"My patients' medical problems are a concern to me."
Dr. Jeffrey Dysart
"My goal is to serve the family's medical needs with an emphasis on keeping everyone healthy."
