Palomar Health nurses are providing free flu shots over the next two weeks in Poway and Escondido.
"Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can be dangerous, especially for children and the elderly," said Palomar Health Community Health Nurse Educator Luanne Arangio-Law, RN, MEd. "There is still time to get a free flu shot and protect yourself and those around you."
The shots are provided on a first-come, first-served basis at the following free clinics:
Tuesday, January 19, 3 - 5 p.m.: Palomar Medical Center, 2185 Citracado Parkway, Escondido
Thursday, January 21, 3 - 5 p.m.: Pomerado Hospital, 15615 Pomerado Road, Poway
Tuesday, January 26, 1 - 3 p.m.: Palomar Medical Center, 2185 Citracado Parkway, Escondido
Thursday, January 28, 1 - 3 p.m.: Pomerado Hospital, 15615 Pomerado Road, Poway
The CDC estimates flu vaccinations prevented more than 65,000 hospitalizations and 1.9 million illnesses last season.
It takes up to two weeks for protection to develop after the shot and protection lasts six months to one year.
"If you have not received your vaccine please rethink your decision," Arangio-Law says. "It is the responsible thing to do to protect your family and others in the community."
Local
Palomar Health scheduled nearly 100 flu shot clinics between September and January last year. Over 3,200 people received flu shots during the seasonal campaign.
