Health officials prepare for upcoming flu season in Central Valley

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- As we head into the winter months, doctors are bracing for what type of flu season will hit Central California.

"We hope that that winter spike is not so big, but it's too early to tell right now what the models are predicting," Dr. Kenny Banh said.

To prepare the community, this week, the Fresno County Department of Public Health, in collaboration with UCSF Fresno and Saint Agnes Medical Center, will provide no-cost flu vaccination clinics.

They'll be held at various locations throughout the county.

Banh, a UCSF emergency medicine physician, says it's important people don't depend on prior flu shots they've received to protect them.

"The flu vaccine is important because if you didn't get vaccinated the prior year -- that year -- it's not effective the following year. It doesn't last long enough. Unfortunately, we don't have a long-lasting flu vaccine yet." Dr. Banh said.

The Sierra Vista Children's Health Center, located at Sierra Vista Elementary School in Clovis, also has flu shots ready to be distributed.

They serve anyone in the Valley and offer free vaccinations to those who are uninsured, underinsured or on Medi-Cal.

They are also offering an alternative to the shot this year.

"If any family members don't want to give their child the flu shot because they're afraid of needles, then the flu mist is a good option for them," Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Wendee Winter said.

The flu mist is administered through the nose.

If the child is young and receiving their first dose of the vaccine, they may require a second dose.

Appointments are required at the health center.

Winter encourages people to get vaccinated sooner rather than later.

"It takes two weeks for the flu vaccine to take effect, so it's not like 'Oh, I got it, I'm good.' No, you have to wait two weeks for it to fully get to where it can protect you," Winter said.

The first free clinic will be held on Thursday in Dunlap at Dunlap Elementary School from 5 to 7 pm.

To see all of the upcoming clinics, click here.

To make an appointment at Sierra Vista Children's Health Center, call 559-327-7976.

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