Published on November 21, 2016. Last modified on September 03, 2026
Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. Vaccination against the flu is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your friends.
The County of Monterey Health Department is partnering with schools and health care agencies to provide the community with no-cost influenza ("flu") immunizations in Fall 2026. Everyone 6 months of age and older is welcome. Children less than 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. No appointment, ID, or insurance card is required.
Date
Time
Location
Partner Agency
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
4:00pm to 7:00pm
Main Street Middle School, 411 Main St., Soledad
Salinas Valley Health
Saturday, October 10, 2026
11:00am to 2:00pm
Taylor Farms Family Health & Wellness Center, 850 5th St., Gonzales
Salinas Valley Health
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
1:00pm to 4:00pm
California State University Monterey Bay, Otter Student Union, Room 208, 3118 Inter-Garrison Rd., Seaside
Doctors on Duty
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
1:00pm to 4:00pm
California State University Monterey Bay, Otter Student Union, Room 208, 3118 Inter-Garrison Rd., Seaside
Doctor on Duty
Monday, October 19, 2026
4:00pm to 7:00pm
Alisal High School, 777 Williams Rd., Salinas
Salinas Valley Health
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
10:00am to 2:00pm
Monterey Peninsula College, Sam Karas Room, 980 Fremont St., Monterey
Mid Carmel Valley Fire Station, 8455 Carmel Valley Rd.,. Carmel
Monterey County Regional Fire District
The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
Fever or feeling feverish/chills
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Fatigue (tiredness)
Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
Most people who get influenza will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some people will develop complications (such as pneumonia), some of which can be life-threatening and result in death. Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus and ear infections are examples of complications from flu. The flu can make chronic health problems worse. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have the flu.
Many people may only require rest, extra fluids, and/or over-the-counter medications like decongestants, cough mediation, and anti-fever medications to recover from the flu. The flu is caused by a virus, so antibiotics are not effective against it.
There are prescription medications called “anti-viral” drugs that can be used to treat influenza. When used for treatment, antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by 1 or 2 days. They also can prevent serious flu complications, like pneumonia. For people with a high risk medical condition, treatment with an antiviral drug can mean the difference between having milder illness instead of very serious illness that could result in a hospital stay.
The flu vaccine will protect against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. Flu vaccine is offered in a variety of settings in Monterey County. Your medical provider may have flu vaccine for you. Other alternatives are pharmacies, retail stores with pharmacies inside them, and/or community-based immunization clinics. To find an immunization provider near you, visit the website VaccineFinder.org.
Other ways to keep from getting or spreading the flu include:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Educational settings should call the Monterey County Health Department's Communicable Disease Unit at 831-755-4521 for more information about influenza and influenza immunizations.
Suspected outbreaks of influenza should be immediately reported by calling the Health Department's Epidemiology & Surveillance Unit at 831-755-4698.
Click here for information on safer ways to celebrate during the holidays.
For information about influenza immunizations, infection control practices, or Title 17 mandatory reporting, please call the County of Monterey Health Department's Communicable Disease Unit at 831-755-4521.
For assistance with influenza testing, please call the County of Monterey's Public Health Laboratory at 831-755-4516
