New vaccines help protect you from viruses circulating in Santa Clara County right now
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, Calif. – With new options for RSV protection, an updated COVID vaccine, and this year’s flu shot now widely available in doctors’ offices and pharmacies, Santa Clara County health officials strongly recommend that everyone get vaccinated this fall to protect themselves and others.
Today, Public Health has also relaunched a tool for the public to track common viruses, transmission, and risk in communities. The updated data dashboard will show levels of flu and RSV through wastewater analysis. These data at sccphd.org/fludata are a resource for individuals and organizations to understand flu and RSV activity and take appropriate actions to stay protected.
“The COVID vaccine, flu vaccine, and other routine immunizations are safe, effective, and the best way to stay protected from illness,” said Dr. Sarah Rudman, Deputy Health Officer for the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department. “Staying up to date on vaccines keeps you and your loved ones healthy. Staying up to date on vaccines also reduces hospital visits and emergency room crowding, ensuring community members can get the care they need in an emergency.”
The updated COVID vaccine authorized in September 2023 offers the best protection against the types of COVID spreading in the community right now. Everyone 6 months and older needs at least two vaccinations this fall: an updated COVID vaccine and this year’s flu shot. Infants and pregnant people should also receive an immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), available for the first time this year. More information about RSV immunizations is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"Every year, our health system cares for babies sick with RSV. This year, with all the new options available for infants and pregnant women, I am happy to recommend it to parents to protect children and their families,” said Dr. Vidya Mony, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist, Santa Clara Valley Healthcare.
Where to get vaccines
- The best place to get the updated COVID vaccine is from your regular doctor or a local pharmacy. For people with health insurance, most will be able to receive the vaccine without any out-of-pocket cost.
- For uninsured and underinsured adults age 19 and older, the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department will also help ensure access to COVID vaccine doses through the federal government’s CDC Bridge Access Program. COVID vaccine doses from this program are allocated to this jurisdiction by the state for distribution to federally qualified health centers and other eligible organizations. Retail pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS will have COVID vaccines available through this program. More information about where to get a COVID vaccine through a CDC Bridge Access Program provider is available at vaccines.gov.
- Children up to age 18 can get the COVID vaccine at no cost through the federal Vaccines for Children program, which provides routine vaccinations to Medicaid-eligible children and children who are uninsured. There are more than 100 doctors in Santa Clara County already enrolled in Vaccines for Children to access free shots. Information on where to access Vaccines for Children is available at eziz.org/vfc/provider-locations.
- Free flu vaccines are distributed each year to non-profit organizations and other local public agency providers across the county by the Public Health Department, which receives them from the state of California. Santa Clara Valley Healthcare pharmacies also offer flu vaccinations at locations countywide.
More information about where to get vaccines is available at sccphd.org/ProtectThem.
If a person does not have health insurance or a regular doctor, a community clinic or the County health system can help with health coverage enrollment. Call 1-866-967-4677 or visit the Patient Access Department at 770 South Bascom Avenue in San José between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Upcoming Flu Vaccination Clinics – No appointment needed for influenza vaccination
Better Health Pharmacy
Wednesday through Friday, 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
725 E. Santa Clara Street, Suite 202, San José, CA 95112
Public Health Hub Resource Fair
October 27, 2023
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
County of Santa Clara Public Health Department Story Road Hub
1775 Story Rd, San José, CA 95122
Flu and COVID Vaccination Clinics – appointments preferred. Get both vaccinations in one visit.
Valley Health Center East Valley
Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
1993 McKee Road, Suite 1164, San José, CA 95116
For adults aged 19 and older
Valley Health Center Gilroy
Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
7475 Camino Arroyo, Suite 1025, Gilroy, CA 95020
For adults and children aged 3 years and older
Valley Health Center Lenzen – Travel Immunization Clinic
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 5 p.m.
976 Lenzen Avenue, Suite 1100, San José, CA 95126
For adults and children aged 3 years and older
Valley Specialty Center
Monday through Friday, 9:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
751 S. Bascom Avenue, San José, CA 95128
For adults and children aged 6 months and older
Santa Clara Valley Health Care Multi-Specialty Clinic
Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
2500 California Street, Suite D, Mountain View, CA 94040
For adults and children aged 3 and older