Seasonal Influenza (Flu) Information

Influenza (the flu) is a seasonal contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.

Common flu symptoms may include:

Flu illness can be severe; resulting in hospitalization and at times can lead to death.

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year.  

CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get their yearly flu vaccine now.  Flu vaccine is especially important for infants, young children, pregnant women, adults over 50, and for those with chronic conditions.

Flu virus is mainly spread through droplets from coughs and sneezes.  Remember these important everyday steps to help stop the spread of germs:

• cover your cough with a sleeve or tissue
• wash your hands often
• stay home if you are sick

No more excuses—you need a flu vaccine.

Where to Get a Flu Vaccine

Flu vaccine for the 2011-12 flu season is now available throughout Orange County. 

Flu vaccine is available from health care providers, clinics, and pharmacies throughout the county.  Contact your health care provider for more information or use the flu vaccine finder below. 

• Find a Flu Shot Near You: Flu Vaccine Finder

Many community sites in Orange County are offering free flu vaccine:

 List of locations and dates for flu shots in Orange County

 People who do not have a medical provider or do not have health insurance coverage may obtain flu vaccination free of charge from the Health Care Agency 17th Street Public Health Clinic.

• Free flu shot is available for everyone 6 months and older.
• Free flu nasal spray (limited supply) is available for healthy people ages 2 – 49 years.
• Walk-in visit—No appointment is needed.
• Please wear a short sleeve shirt.

If you have any questions, please call the Health Referral line at 1 (800) 564-8448 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

More Information About the Flu and Flu Vaccine

Pneumonia (Pneumococcal) Vaccinations for Adults Age 50 Years and Older

Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine or PPSV23 (Pneumovax) available for the following persons:

• Adults age 65 years and older with or without chronic conditions
• Persons 50 through 64 years old with chronic conditions, including the following conditions:
  • Cigarette smoker
  • Chronic cardiovascular (except high blood pressure), pulmonary, liver or renal disease
  • Diabetes, alcoholism, cerebrospinal fluid leaks
  • Sickle cell disease or asplenia
  • With cochlear implants
  • Leukemias, lymphomas, or multiple myeloma
  • HIV infection or AIDS
  • Organ transplant
  • On long term high dose steroid (14 days or longer) or on cancer and radiation therapy
• As a 2nd dose if first dose given before age 65 years old and 5 years have elapsed since the last dose

 List of locations and dates for free pneumococcal shots in Orange County, please click here. Pneumococcal vaccine is also available from many health care providers and clinics and for a fee at local retail pharmacies.

Please click here for more information on pneumococcal disease. (CDC)

More Information About Seasonal Influenza (Flu)

Seasonal flu vaccine protects against the three influenza viruses that will be most common during the upcoming season.  Flu vaccine for the 2011-12 season is now available in Orange County.  Flu vaccine is available from health care providers, clinics, and pharmacies throughout the county.  While this year’s flu vaccine protects against the same influenza viruses as last year, you still need a flu shot this year.  Increased risk of influenza infection usually lasts from October to May in the United States, so don’t wait to get your flu shot.

CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get their yearly flu vaccine now.  While everyone should get a flu vaccine each flu season, it's especially important that certain people get vaccinated either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications.  These groups include:

1. Pregnant women
2. Children younger than 5 years—especially children younger than 2 years old
3. People 50 years of age and older
4. People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (more information here)
5. People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
6. People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
7. Health care workers
8. Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
9. Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

There are two types of flu vaccine:

• Flu shot—is given by injection and uses inactivated (killed) influenza virus and is safe for everyone 6 months and older, including pregnant women.  Tell your doctor if you have any severe (life-threatening) allergies, including a severe allergy to eggs.  More information on the influenza vaccine.
• Flu nasal spray—contains live, attenuated (weakened) influenza vaccine (LAIV).  It is sprayed into the nostrils.  LAIV is recommended for healthy people 2 through 49 years of age, who are not pregnant and do not have certain health conditions.  More information on Flu nasal spray.

Additional flu information

• www.cdc.gov/flu
• www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm
• www.flu.go
• www.vaccines.gov/diseases/flu
• No More Excuses, You Need a Flu Vaccine