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Serving the entire population of our region, 2-1-1 San Diego connects people with community, health and disaster services through a free, 24/7 stigma-free phone service and searchable online database. Using the power of technology and innovation, we connect people to the help they need.                            

Need help getting MediCal or other insurance? Dial 211.

Need help reuniting with your family after a natural disaster? Dial 211.

Need help finding mental health services? Dial 211.

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Need help finding a job? Dial 211.


Also available online at http://www.211sandiego.org/

Flu Vaccine Myths Debunked

MYTHS ABOUT FLU AND FLU VACCINE Don't let these myths fool you into skipping the flu vaccine:
MYTH: The flu shot gives you the flu.
No, it can't. The influenza viruses in the shot are inactive and not infectious.

MYTH: It’s better to get the flu than the flu vaccine. No, having the flu is worse. Flu is a potentially dangerous infection. It can make you very sick and cause you to miss work, school and other activities. For high-risk groups such as children, seniors, and people with chronic health conditions like heart disease or diabetes, the flu can lead to severe complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia, resulting in hospitalization and even death.

Most people get the flu shot without any problems. Minor side effects can be get soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given; fever (low grade); and aches. Serious reactions to the flu shot are rare.

MYTH: You don’t need to get the flu shot if you got one last year. No, you need flu vaccine every year. You need to get it every year because vaccine protection wanes over time. Also, even if any of the viruses in this season’s vaccines are the same as last year’s, you can still get sick this season, because the immunity you developed from last year’s vaccine may have declined since then.


PROTECT YOUR HEALTH DURING FLU SEASON AND ALL YEAR LONG: WASH YOUR HANDS!
In addition to getting flu vaccine, there's a step you can take to reduce your chances of getting and spreading the flu: handwashing! In fact, washing your hands often is a good way to protect your health all year long, not just during flu season. Many everyday objects and surfaces we touch have lots of germs on them, and if you touch your eyes, nose or mouth after touching them, you can expose yourself to all sorts of germs.

When you wash your hands, use plenty of soap and warm water and wash for at least 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice).

Get a flu shot!

Southwest Raider family,

Cold and flu season is here. As always, take precautions to prevent illness: plenty of sleep, excellent nutrition, and exercise. Something else you can do to prevent the flu is a flu vaccine.

These People Are at High Risk of Complications From Flu

• Children,
• Seniors,
• Pregnant women, and
• Those with heart conditions, asthma, diabetes, immune system disorders and certain other health problems.

If these people get the flu, they are more likely to get seriously ill with complications like pneumonia and need hospitalization. In addition, their chances of dying from flu-related complications are higher than other people.

Also, people at high risk for flu-related complications should contact their doctor immediately if they start to develop flu-like symptoms so that they can be evaluated for antiviral drugs, which work best if given within 48 hours after symptoms appear.

Here is more about the 2015/2016 flu season from the CDC website:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2015-2016.htm


You can get a flu shot at your doctor's office as well as at many sites throughout San Diego.

South Region Public Health CenterOngoing Clinic
690 Oxford St., Suite H
Chula Vista, CA. 91911 Flu vaccine is available on a walk-in (first come, first served) basis Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, from 8 a.m-4 p.m., and Thursday from 8 a.m.-Noon, or until clinic capacity is reached. Closed weekends and holidays. No appointment is needed, but if desired, appointments can be made online at: https://onlineappts.hhsa-sdcounty.org.

Please note that currently, due to shipping delays, the Center has a limited selection of flu vaccines. Please call the Center at (619) 409-3110 before going to verify availability.



ONE-DAY FLU VACCINE CLINICS

Free Flu Vaccine Clinic in Chula Vista
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Chula Vista Public Library
365 F St.
Chula Vista, CA 91910 Free flu vaccine for 6 months and older.


Free Flu Vaccine Clinic in El Cajon
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Ronald Reagan Community Center
195 E. Douglas Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92020 Free flu vaccine for 6 months and older.
Clinic Flyer in Spanish
Clinic Flyer in Arabic


Free Flu Vaccine Clinic in Linda Vista
Friday, Oct. 9, 2015, from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.Bayside Community Center
2202 Comstock Street
San Diego, CA 92111 Free flu vaccine for 6 months and older.


Free Flu Vaccine in Fallbrook Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fallbrook Health Fair at the Fallbrook Fire Station
315 E. Ivy St.
Fallbrook, CA 92028Free flu vaccine for 3 years and older. Flu vaccine will not be available for children less than 3 years of age.


Free Flu Vaccine Clinic in Mira Mesa
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2015, from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.Mira Mesa Senior Center
8460 Mira Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92126 Free flu vaccine for 6 months and older.


Free Flu Vaccine Clinic in OceansideFriday, Oct. 16, 2015, from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.Crowne Heights Resource Center
1210 Division Street
Oceanside, CA 92054 Free flu vaccine for 6 months and older.


Free Flu Vaccine Clinic in Logan Heights
Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Logan Heights Library
567 S. 28th Street, San Diego, CA 92113 Free flu vaccine for persons 6 months and older.


Free Flu Vaccine Clinic in San Marcos
Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.San Marcos Civic Center
3 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069 Free flu vaccine for 6 months and older.