This story has been updated.
San Antonio health officials are recommending residents get their flu and COVID vaccines before the end of October, when the official flu season begins. The emphasis comes amid a late summer uptick in COVID-19 cases in San Antonio.
“We have seen a rise in respiratory viruses during the summer. The best defense against getting sick is to wash your hands frequently and stay up-to-date on your vaccinations,” said Dr. Jason Bowling, director of hospital epidemiology at University Health.
While flu vaccines are widely available at local pharmacies and clinics, the City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District will be hosting a mass flu vaccination event from 8 a.m to 2 p.m. on Oct. 25 at the Alamodome, 100 Montana St, South Gate Entrance 24 and 25. The flu vaccine will be provided at no cost while supplies last and no appointment is needed.
Bexar County commissioners teamed up recently with University Health to host drive-thru flu vaccine events, allowing adults and children over six months to receive a flu shot at no cost and without leaving their vehicle.
The final drive-thru event occurs at at Gustafson Stadium, 7001 Culebra Road, on Nov. 4 between 8 a.m. and noon. Advance registration is required for each person receiving a free vaccine, and can be found here.
Flu shots can be taken along with COVID vaccines and boosters, according to the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, which already hosts its own series of free vaccine events. Pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible, the health department said in a statement.
According to the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District’s weekly surveillance data, cases of COVID-19 have steadily increased since July.
As of Oct. 24, there were 407 new COVID cases and no new COVID-related deaths in San Antonio so far this week.
On Sept. 12, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved updated COVID vaccines that fight off currently circulating viruses that cause COVID-19 transmissions, like the XBB.1.5 variant.
