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County health officials are encouraging all eligible San Diegans to get their flu and Covid-19 vaccines ahead of the holidays. 

As of this week, only 22 percent of the eligible population in San Diego County is vaccinated against the flu while 7 percent have received the Covid vaccine. Both rates trail the historic average.  

Flu cases also are seeing a spike, with more than twice as many in the most recent weekly period compared with a month earlier.  

“We are already seeing impacts on the most vulnerable in our community and cases are only going to rise as we gather for the holidays and spend long periods of time indoors,” County Public Health Officer Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan said. “Just because you were sick with the flu or Covid-19 in the last year doesn’t mean you still can’t get infected. Getting both the Covid and flu vaccines also protects those who rely on herd immunity, like grandparents and babies.” 

Last year, 220 people died from the flu, including seven kids.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot yearly since the components of the vaccine change year to year to match the circulating strains.   

The influenza vaccine is available at doctors’ offices and retail pharmacies and is covered by medical insurance.  

People with no health care coverage can get vaccinated at one of the County’s six public health centers or a local community clinic. To find the nearest location, visit the County’s Flu Vaccine Locations page, myturn.ca.gov, or call 2-1-1 San Diego.    

While each of those vaccines generally takes a few weeks to become fully effective, getting the vaccine now will protect people from what history shows will be an increase in cases in the weeks following the Thanksgiving holiday. 

Also on the rise are RSV cases, which primarily hit children and older adults the hardest. Vaccines are widely available for those eligible.  

In addition to getting vaccinated, people should also do the following to avoid getting sick:    

Wash hands thoroughly and often
Use hand sanitizers, if unable to wash hands
Stay away from sick people
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Clean commonly touched surfaces   If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others

“Getting vaccinated is the best way to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy and safe this holiday season,” Dr. Thihalolipavan said.