As the air shifts to fall and kids are well into their school routines, a new respiratory virus season approaches. Now is the time to get vaccinated, experts say.
Kaiser Permanente’s annual flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics are now open across Northern California, making it easy and convenient for members to get the protection they need before flu season is in full swing.
“It was in and out in like five minutes,” said member Lauren Coomber, who got her flu and COVID-19 shots recently at the San Francisco clinic. “It’s pretty painless, super easy wait, and it helps everyone.”
According to Brad Hare, MD, chief of infectious diseases at Kaiser Permanente San Francisco, the flu remains a serious health concern every year, especially for older adults, infants, and people with chronic medical conditions.
“The [flu] vaccine is the number one way you can prevent yourself from getting infected and getting sick,” Dr. Hare said. “It’s also the best way you can protect our communities from spreading these viruses to people who can’t get vaccinated or who are more vulnerable to serious complications.”
Experts recommend getting vaccinated as soon as possible, ideally before November.
“The sooner the better, and then you’ll be comfortable knowing you’re protected for the whole season,” Dr. Hare said.
He explained that it takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to build protection. Getting vaccinated early helps ensure your body is ready before flu viruses begin circulating more widely.
Flu activity typically spikes around the end-of-the-year holidays because of increased travel, cold weather, and indoor social gatherings. Even if you don’t get vaccinated right away, never too late to get your flu shot because vaccination can still provide valuable protection throughout flu season, which extends into spring, according to Dr. Hare.
Easy and convenient to get vaccinated
“Flu vaccine clinics are probably the easiest and most convenient way to get the vaccines that you need for the season,” Dr. Hare said.
The vaccine clinics offer members a fast, streamlined experience. Members can check in using their Kaiser Permanente member ID card, membership number, or identifying information.
“Piece of cake sums it up,” said member Faina Disterheft, a San Francisco resident.
Disterheft, 87, noted how effortless it was to get through the vaccination clinic. She joked that the hardest part of the day was finding the elevator.
She encourages others to get protected.
“Just be sure you do, that’s all,” she said. “You absolutely don’t want the flu or COVID. I have a friend that has long COVID, and you really don’t want that.”
Kaiser Permanente’s seasonal vaccine clinics offer more than just flu shots. Members may also receive other recommended respiratory vaccines, including COVID-19 and RSV vaccines, as well as other immunizations. For Kaiser Permanente members, the recommended preventive vaccines are available at no cost.
“We will also be able to check for other vaccines that you may be overdue for while you’re there,” Dr. Hare said. “So, the vaccine clinics actually have a lot of benefits for you beyond just a flu shot.”
Year after year, Coomber relies on Kaiser Permanente San Francisco’s vaccine clinic for both her flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. But this year came with a new sense of purpose.
“My grandma actually just got COVID,” Coomber said. “She’s better now but this was extra important this year.”
Find a nearby clinic and their hours.
