Every autumn, millions of people get vaccinated protect themselves from the flu. Thousands of public flu shot clinics are made available throughout the country to vaccinate people. These flu shot clinics are easily accessible, often held in local pharmacies, grocery stores, retail establishments, clinics, hospitals and senior centers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you receive a flu shot if you meet one or more of the following criteria:

• all persons who want to reduce the risk of becoming ill with influenza or of transmitting influenza to others
• all children aged 6 months to 18 years old
• all persons aged 50 years and older
• children and adolescents (aged 6 months to 18 years) receiving long-term aspirin therapy
• women who will be pregnant during the influenza season
• adults and children who have chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus)
• adults and children who are immunosuppressed
• residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
• healthcare personnel
• healthy household contacts (including children) and caregivers of children aged less than 5 years and adults aged 50 years and older
• healthy household contacts (including children) and caregivers of persons with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from influenza

To find a flu clinic location near you try the Find A Flu Shot website provided by Maxim Health Systems.

CostCo members can visit Costco.com to view a list of locations, dates, times and fees.

Palo Alto Medical Foundation (Camino Medical Group) members should visit the Palo Alto Medical Foundation website for specific flu clinic information.

Kaiser Permanente members please visit the Kaiser Permanente website or call 1-800-573-5811 for details about flu shot clinics available to you.

Avenidas members should visit the Avenidas website or call 650-289-5400 for details regarding their annual seasonal flu shot clinics.

SCCIPA members should call member services at 1-800-977-7332, Monday through Friday.

A Free Flu Shot Program has been annouced by CVS Caremark for the unemployed. They will be issuing vouchers that will be distributed at select government-run One-Stop Career Center locations. The program will begin in October with distribution of vouchers that may be used for a free seasonal flu shot at MinuteClinic or at any scheduled CVS/pharmacy flu clinic. Please visit the CVS website for specfic details about this program.

H1N1 (swine flu) shots

Please contact your personal care provider for more information on the H1N1 vaccination. If you do not have a personal care provider and would like a free physician referral please call the El Camino Hospital Healthline at 800-216-5556. For general information and updates on H1N1 swine flu visit our Swine Flu Information Resource web page.