Currently, only 7.3% of eligible San Diegans are vaccinated against COVID-19, while 23.2% have received flu shots.

SAN DIEGO — Local physicians are expressing concern about low vaccine rates in San Diego County as the region braces for what could be one of the worst flu seasons in decades, following a particularly severe season last year that claimed 220 lives, including seven children.

Currently, only 7.3% of eligible San Diegans are vaccinated against COVID-19, while 23.2% have received flu shots. Though vaccination rates have been steadily rising, doctors say the numbers remain far below desired levels, especially as the holiday season approaches and people gather in larger groups.

“Unfortunately, I think people feel tired of getting their vaccines,” said Dr. Pia Pannaraj, an infectious disease specialist at Rady Children’s Hospital. 

Pannaraj noted that vaccination fatigue is particularly concerning during the holidays when increased gatherings make it easier for the flu and COVID-19 to spread.

Flu cases spiked in San Diego County during November and are expected to continue rising, typically peaking in late December. Last year’s flu season was the most severe in over a decade. With recent flu outbreaks worldwide, doctors are bracing for similar or worse outcomes this year.

“We expect a rough season this year. So we just don’t want people who we know can be protected against the illness, against the diseases, to be infected,” said Pannaraj.

Health officials have historically observed spikes in both flu and COVID cases following the Thanksgiving holiday. Doctors attempted to encourage vaccinations before the holiday but faced resistance.

“We are still seeing, especially the elderly and then young children, especially those under two years old, are still getting very sick from COVID,” said Pannaraj. She emphasized that “flu also is definitely no joke.”

While flu vaccines do not offer 100% protection, Pannaraj explained that they significantly reduce severe illness and hospitalization. Regarding protection against a new flu strain called subclade K, she noted that although the vaccine is not a perfect match, it provides substantial benefit.

“There’s some data coming out of the UK that shows that in children, it’s 70% protective against hospitalization. In adults, it’s only about 30% effective, but that’s against hospitalization. It still will be more, you know, probably more effective against an ICU stay or death,” said Pannaraj.

Both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for people six months and older. Vaccinations are available at doctors’ offices, local pharmacies, county-run health centers, and community clinics.

“This is the perfect time to get your vaccine. It takes about two weeks for it to work. So go out there and get the vaccines,” said Pannaraj.