Flu Shots: Where To Get Them In San Mateo

SAN MATEO, CA — With the 2019-2020 flu season just around the corner, now is the time to know where flu shots are available in San Mateo.

National pharmacy chains such as Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid are popular places to receive a shot, but many communities have local clinics that also offer the service for free.

Here are some of the places you can get a flu shot in San Mateo:

• Passport Health San Mateo
  1777 Borel Place Suite 404, San Mateo, CA
  650-372-5699
  Hours: Call to schedule an appointment
• Walgreens
  191 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA
  650-342-2723
  Hours: Sunday 07:00 (AM)- 11:00 (PM),Monday 07:00 (AM)- 11:00 (PM),Tuesday 07:00 (AM)- 11:00 (PM), Wednesday 07:00 (AM)- 11:00 (PM), Thursday 07:00 (AM)- 11:00 (PM), Friday 07:00 (AM)- 11:00 (PM), Saturday 07:00 (AM)- 11:00 (PM)
• Safeway
  1655 El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA
  650-341-3305
  Hours: M-F 9am - 9pm / Sat. 9am - 7pm / Sun. 10am - 6pm

Click here to view a more comprehensive list of locations all around town where you can get your flu shot.

While there isn’t an official start or end to flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend people get vaccinated by the end of October.

The agency also has a special message for younger kids: “Children 6 months through 8 years of age who need 2 doses should receive their first dose as soon as possible after the vaccine becomes available to allow the second dose to be received by the end of October,” according to the CDC’s official page.

Influenza, commonly called “the flu,” is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can lead to serious illness, hospitalization or even death.

Typical flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue.

The CDC estimates that 48 million people were hit by the flu in the United States in 2017-2018. The disease accounted for a staggering 959,000 hospitalizations, and 79,400 deaths during that time frame.

To minimize your risk of contracting the flu, follow these three simple steps:

1. Get a flu vaccine. It’s the best way to fight the flu!
2. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands often.
3. Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them. If you get the flu, antiviral drugs can be used to treat your illness.