The Chula Vista Fire Department will be offering free flu vaccines every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Civic Center Library located at 365 F Street.
The vaccines are available for ages six months and older. If you want to schedule an appointment to get vaccinated, click here. For information in Spanish, check out here.
We tend to get sick during the winter months for many reasons. It’s not necessarily because of the cold weather but because of many variables that come together.
During an interview with the American Heart Association(AHA), Dr. Virginia Banks from Northeast Ohio Infectious Disease Associates explained why viruses tend to thrive during the winter season. She says that while the cold weather itself does not necessarily cause people to fall ill, the dry and chilly air of winter creates an ideal environment for viruses to survive and reproduce. Moreover, wintertime usually keeps people indoors, which increases the chances of viruses spreading easily in close quarters.
“And although laboratory research suggests cold temperatures can make immune cells less effective, viruses – not the cold weather – are what make you sick,” Dr. Virginia Banks said.
Regardless, flu season is upon us, and while flu vaccines are not 100% effective, they are one of the best ways to prevent it. Flu viruses constantly change, and a yearly vaccination is needed for the best protection.
The CDC recommends annual flu shots for everyone, especially during the months of September and October, since that is the perfect time for your body to take in the vaccine before flu season starts.
Nonetheless, it’s still a great time to get your flu vaccine. Stay healthy and protect yourself from the flu!