Kaiser Permanente flu clinics are now open, and physicians are urging residents to stay current on their flu, COVID and RSV vaccinations as respiratory virus season ramps up.
Jennifer Isaacs, MD, Kaiser Permanente Redwood City/San Mateo’s Chief of OB/GYN, brought her husband and two children with her recently when they all received their flu and COVID shots together.
“Vaccines are important and have been shown to save lives,” Isaacs said in a statement. “For many of us who grew up with vaccine availability, we never saw all the bad things that occurred prior to broad population expansion of vaccines. Vaccinations are my way of contributing to the health of my community.”
Health officials recommend that everyone 6 months and older get the annual flu shot. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last year’s flu season was considered a “high severity” season, and 246 pediatric deaths were reported, which is the highest number in a non-pandemic year since 2004.
Isaacs also encouraged eligible adults to receive the RSV vaccine and stay updated on COVID boosters, noting she is not worried about multiple vaccinations.
“I don’t have any concerns about getting so many vaccines,” she said. “I’m proud that we can offer so many ways to help ourselves, our families, our patients and our communities.”
Flu shots are available to Kaiser Permanente patients without an appointment. More information is available at kp.org/flu and kp.org/covidvaccine.
