Families Grateful for Free Flu Clinic in Gonzales

GONZALES, CA – Caroline and Ricardo Hernandez were among the first in line Saturday to receive free flu shots at Salinas Valley Health’s community vaccination clinic in Gonzales.

“My daughter told us about the clinic,” said 66 year-old Caroline Hernandez. “It’s great that Salinas Valley Health makes this available to our community. We drove just a short distance from our home in Chualar to get vaccinated because we know it’s important.”

Salinas Valley Health’s Mobile Clinic, volunteer staff and Hartnell College nursing students participate in a series of vaccination clinics held every October.  The one at Taylor Farms Family Health & Wellness Clinic in Gonzales is the second of four free clinics the organization has scheduled this month. No appointments are needed. A total of 228 people got vaccinated in Gonzales and enjoyed a one-stop resources fair which included a fresh produce giveaway by the  Food Bank for Monterey County.  

“Getting a flu shot is a simple step people can take to help protect themselves and the people around them,” said Marian Fox, RN, volunteer nurse and clinical manager at Salinas Valley Health. “I enjoy volunteering at these events and engaging with our community about their health. We’ve had a great turnout today.”

Influenza can be especially serious for young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions. Vaccination helps reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization and helps protect those who are most vulnerable.

The Gonzales clinic is part of Salinas Valley Health’s annual community flu vaccination effort. An earlier clinic in Soledad vaccinated approximately 200 people, bring the Mobile Clinic efforts to 428 for the two clinics. 

The remaining clinics are scheduled for:

Monday, Oct. 19, 4-7 p.m.
Alisal High School
777 Williams Road, Salinas

Sunday, Oct. 25, noon-3 p.m.
Castroville Elementary School
11161 Merritt Street, Castroville

The Castroville clinic will also feature a health fair with community resources and information about additional services. The effort is part of the healthcare system’s ongoing commitment to make preventive care more accessible throughout Monterey County.

For more information and to share the free flu clinic schedule, visit salinasvalleyhealth.com/flu or call the Health Promotion Department at 831-759-1890.

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843