Salinas Valley Health Offers Free Community Flu Shots & COVID-19 Vaccine First Ever Duel Vaccine Effort

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843

Medical professionals at Salinas Valley Health are urging people to get their annual flu shot this season. The organization is holding a series of free community clinics to help eliminate any financial burden for families and to increase easy access to vaccination opportunities for all segments of the population. No appointment is needed.

“We’re facing another double threat this winter,” says Pete Delgado, President/CEO of Salinas Valley Health. “We got a pass last year on a severe flu season. Many experts say that’s not going to be the case this year so it’s critically important that we are vigilant and people are vaccinated for both the flu and COVID-19.”

Delgado addressed the flu season ahead in his weekly video message to the community.

Salinas Valley Health has a long history of teaming up with the Monterey County Health Department to administer free flu-shot clinics at various locations. Nurses and clinical staff from Salinas Valley Health volunteer to support this annual health and well-being initiative. The flu vaccine is safe and the most effective way to prevent getting the flu. In addition, the CDC has determined the flu and COVID-19 vaccine are safe and effective when administered at the same time. Please see September 9 CDC guidance here.

Individuals have three opportunities in October to receive either one or both of the vaccines.

Saturday, October 9, 11am - 2pm

Salinas Valley Health Medical Center

120 Wilgart Way, Salinas

Free parking in hospital parking garage across the street

Saturday, October 16, 11am - 2pm

Salinas Valley Health Taylor Farms Family Health & Wellness Center

850 5th Street, Gonzales

Wednesday, October 20, 4pm- 7pm

Palma High School

919 Iverson Street, Salinas

COVID-19 safety measures will be in place at the community clinics. People should not attend if they have a fever or are not feeling well with any COVID-19 or flu like symptoms or have recently been in contact with someone who is COVID-19 positive. Masks are required and social distancing will be in place. Families should avoid bringing anyone to the clinic who is not receiving a vaccine.

Registered nurses from Salinas Valley Health along with nursing students from Hartnell College will be administrating the free vaccines on a first come, first serve basis and quantities are limited. You can find more information on the three free flu clinics at www.svmh.com/flu or by calling our Health Promotion Department at (831) 759- 1890.