OC Free Flu Shot Locations (2013)

With flu season under way, it’s time to get the vaccine

Living in Orange County during the winter is great. It rarely gets below 60, the beach is readily available and the sun is almost always shining However, there is one cold weather inconvenience that not even our citrus county can escape: The Flu. With the first case reported just days ago, there’s no mistaking it, the flu is here, which is why many health officials suggest getting a flu vaccine.

The Center for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months of age and older receive an annual flu vaccine. It’s especially important for infants, young children, pregnant women, adults over 50, and for those with chronic conditions. “To be protected against the flu, you have to get the vaccine in a shot or nose spray every year,” explained Lillian Wu, M.D., St. Jude Heritage Medical Group. “Unlike some other illnesses, such as chickenpox, the flu virus keeps changing. The vaccine needs to change to keep up with the types of flu viruses that are expected to cause problems that year.”

Common Flu Symptoms

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headaches
• Body aches
• Chills and fatigue

To help locate a free flu clinic near you, Parenting OC has compiled a list. Please call ahead of time for flu vaccine availability.