Free flu shot drive-up events scheduled in Santa Barbara County

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, in collaboration with Sansum Clinic, Allan Hancock College, and the Medical Reserve Corps, is hosting drive-up free flu shot events in October.

Anyone 2 years of age and older is invited to receive a free flu shot.

No insurance, identification, or appointment is needed. The process is simple - wear a face covering, remain in the car, complete a short form, and then get a vaccination.

"This year because we don't want to bring people inside in such large groups, we're doing it outside and using  the drive-thru  or drive-in model," said Jan Koegler with Santa Barbara County Health.  "You'll park your car and get your shot and be screened  and all the usual stuff will happen and it will just be happening   in your car."

Last week, several outreach efforts took place to bring flu vaccinations to seniors where they live. 13 locations became flu clinics.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it can take about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body, so health officials recommend getting vaccinated early. It's recommend that everyone 6 months and older, including pregnant women, get a flu vaccine.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, health experts say getting a flu vaccine is especially important to protect yourself, your family, and the community from flu. It also helps save limited medical resources necessary for the care of COVID-19 patients.

Flu shots are covered by Medi-Cal, Medicare and by most insurance plans.

You can find other locations offering the vaccine by visiting www.VaccineFinder.org.

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The Santa Barbara County Health Department