Flu and COVID Vaccines Now Available

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – Santa Barbara County Public Health Director Mouhanad Hammami, M.D, MHSA, said now is a good time to get vaccinated.

"It is the time for being protected against the flu season and we are very fortunate that there is a new COVID vaccine, this is addressing a new variant and also there is a new flu vaccine for the first time is using the MRNA technology that has been proven to be 26 percent more effective," said Hammami.

One appointment will do.

"The good thing is that they can be given at the same time and even the CDC [Centers for Disease Control] is recommending either one in each arm or even the same arm," said Hammami, " It's no contradiction, they will provide protection and specifically the COVID is geared more towards our elder population, people over the age of 65, pregnant women as well as those that might have a weak immunity, or immune system."

It is recommended for a wide age range.

"The flu vaccine is recommended for everybody that is six months and older so we hope that our residents and community members are going to take the opportunity so they and their loved ones are protected, most of these vaccines are covered by insurance so there is no co-pay, I believe they are available at any of the retail pharmacies," said Hammami.

When asked to explain messenger RNA, also known as MRNA, the health director described it as more effective.

"MRNA is messenger RNA, this is the technology that was used fo the first COVID vaccines that proved to be very effective. In the old days we used to take the virus itself and weaken it and use is as protection, with MRNA we are taking a piece of the virus DNA and having the system, your immune system build based on that code, build anti bodies against the virus," said Hammami.

He is aware there are skeptics.

"It is really a hard argument when you are absolutely convinced about something, however I tell people don't listen to rumors go to the facts, everything is based on science," said Hammami, "There is nothing that is risk free and everything might have a little bit of side effects, but it has been proven that the benefits outweigh the risks."

One person heading to a local pharmacy shared her skepticism but said she counts on handwashing and keeping her distance to stay healthy.

One pharmacy worker said her drug store has been slammed with people coming in for vaccinations and with phone calls asking about them.

Signs outside CVS in Goleta read Free Flu & COVID-19 vaccinations and walk-ins welcome.

Your News Channel will have more on vaccines available tonight on the news.