Arm yourself against the flu!

As the summer comes to a close and temperatures start to cool, the changing climate brings with it the cold and flu season. The flu is a highly contagious virus that can be very serious, and in some cases, deadly for the millions of people who contract it during the year.

In order to avoid getting the flu, you should be vigilant and avoid coming into close contact with people who have flu-like symptoms. However, up to 50 percent of people infected by the flu virus may not exhibit obvious symptoms… but they can still transmit the flu to people who are at increased risk of complications and death.

On an ongoing basis, frequent hand washing and use of antibacterial hand cleansers can also help prevent the spread of infection at work and at home. But, the best way to keep from catching the flu or passing it on to your loved ones is by getting an annual flu vaccination.

Arm yourself against the flu by getting your flu vaccination. Kaiser Permanente's member flu vaccination clinics open on October 3, 2009. See below for details.

Who should get a flu vaccination?

Everyone in your household should receive an annual flu vaccination, but they are especially important for:

• children 6 months old up to their 19th birthday
• anyone 50 or older
• anyone with a chronic health condition
• pregnant women
• health care workers
• anyone living with or caring for someone in one of the above high-risk groups or with a child under 6 months old

When is a flu vaccination not appropriate?

If you have a severe allergy to eggs, a history of Guillain Barré syndrome, or experienced a severe reaction to a prior flu vaccination (not just redness or swelling at the injection site), please discuss flu vaccination with your physician.

How to get a flu vaccination

Kaiser Permanente's flu vaccination clinics open on Saturday, October 3 in Northern California. You do not need to make an appointment and flu vaccinations are free for Kaiser Permanente members. Please remember to bring your membership card and wear a short-sleeved shirt.

NOTE: The schedule below reflects seasonal flu clinics only. Plans to administer H1N1 vaccines are still being developed. Find more information about the H1N1 flu click here...

Kaiser Permanente Central Valley Member Flu Clinics