Scripps Health Launches Flu Vaccination Clinics

In Australia, where influenza typically spreads during the Northern Hemisphere’s spring and summer months, it has been an active flu season with case numbers running at their highest levels since before the COVID-19 pandemic years. American health experts use Australia as a barometer to predict what might be in store for the United States later in the fall when the virus typically emerges here. 

Beyond the physical discomfort and schedule disruptions that a routine flu infection can bring, the virus also can be deadly. During the 2023-24 flu season, the virus infected more than 19,000 people in San Diego County and killed 60 locally. Across the United States, as many as 64 million people were sickened by the infection and as many as 72,000 died. 

And once again, there is a possibility of new surges of COVID and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) while influenza is spreading across the region and country this fall and winter, putting even more strain on health systems. 

“Vaccination isn’t the only thing you can do to protect yourself and others around you from infection,” said Anthony Chong, MD, a family medicine physician and chief medical officer at Scripps Coastal Medical Center. “It’s always a good idea to wash hands often, avoid people who are sick, stay home and avoid others if you have symptoms, and make sure you are current on other recommended vaccinations for COVID-19 and RSV.”  

Flu vaccine is now widely available across San Diego County, including at most Scripps Clinic and Scripps Coastal primary care sites, which are open by appointment to all Scripps patients, and to everyone on a walk-in basis at Scripps HealthExpress locations. 

Scripps patients can use the MyScripps portal to schedule a visit with their primary care physician to receive vaccination for influenza, pneumonia and other illnesses, or they can call their primary care physician’s office directly. Those without a MyScripps account can dial 1-800-SCRIPPS for flu vaccination information. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months or older, especially those who are at high risk for complications from the flu, including people 65 years and older; children under the age of 2; pregnant women; and people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, neurological conditions, blood disorders, weakened immune systems and morbid obesity. 

Once the vaccine is administered, it takes about two weeks for the body to build up enough antibodies to develop immunity. 

Common flu symptoms include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue. Some people, more commonly children, may experience vomiting and diarrhea. 

Scripps physicians also recommend these other practices during flu season: 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. 
• Watch out for flu symptoms, which can include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue. 
• Stay away from sick people. 
• Cover your coughs and sneezes. 
• If you become sick, stay home from work and school, and avoid contact with others. The CDC recommends staying home for at least 24 hours after a fever is gone without using fever-reducing medicine. 
• Avoid the emergency room unless you are suffering from more serious flu symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; chest or abdomen pain or pressure; sudden dizziness; confusion; severe or persistent vomiting; or flu symptoms that improve, but then return with fever and a worse cough. 
• For children, seek emergency medical help if they are breathing fast or are having trouble breathing; have bluish skin color; aren’t drinking enough fluids; aren’t waking up or interacting; are so irritable they don’t want to be held; have a fever with a rash; aren’t able to eat; don’t shed tears when crying; have significantly fewer wet diapers than normal; or have flu symptoms that improve, but then return with fever and a worse cough. 
• Check with your doctor to see if you should be treated with an antiviral drug. 
• If you are experiencing symptoms, use home COVID tests to see if you might be positive for that virus.

Learn more about Scripps Health, a nonprofit integrated health system in San Diego, Calif.