Health & Medicine

It’s booster season. Here’s where to get a free COVID-19 vaccine in SLO County

San Luis County Health Department Psych Tech John “Mike” Jamison readies COVID-19 vaccination syringes. The health department conducted a pop-up vaccination clinic at Santa Rosa Academic Academy in Atascadero, Friday, Nov. 3, 2022.
San Luis County Health Department Psych Tech John “Mike” Jamison readies COVID-19 vaccination syringes. The health department conducted a pop-up vaccination clinic at Santa Rosa Academic Academy in Atascadero, Friday, Nov. 3, 2022. ldickinson@thetribunenews.com

The flu is not the only sickness to prepare for this season.

Residents can now get free COVID-19 booster vaccines across San Luis Obispo County.

The updated COVID booster vaccine is available at pharmacies across the county and at the county Public Health Department clinics in San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles, the department said in a news release.

The vaccine will be fully covered by health insurance for most residents, with the West Coast Health Alliance guaranteeing continued availability and coverage for all community members who choose to be vaccinated.

An annual booster is recommended for everyone above 6 months old in California.

“This season brings the combined challenges of flu activity, potential COVID-19 surges and the usual demand for urgent and emergency care,” SLO County Health Officer Penny Borenstein said in the release. “I strongly encourage those seeking additional protection against COVID-19 — particularly anyone at higher risk for severe illness or who lives with someone who is — to get the updated vaccine.”

The newest COVID vaccine has been licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for all individuals aged 65 and older, and for those between 6 months and 64 years old who have certain health conditions, so residents may be asked to confirm an underlying health condition or sign a consent form when receiving a booster shot.

To find a vaccine clinic near you, you can contact your local pharmacy, visit vaccinefinder.org or call the county at 805-781-5500 to schedule an appointment at a Public Health clinic.

San Luis County Health Department Psych Tech John “Mike” Jamison readies COVID-19 vaccination syringes. The health department conducted a pop-up vaccination clinic at Santa Rosa Academic Academy in Atascadero, Friday, Nov. 3, 2022.
San Luis County Health Department Psych Tech John “Mike” Jamison readies COVID-19 vaccination syringes. The health department conducted a pop-up vaccination clinic at Santa Rosa Academic Academy in Atascadero, Friday, Nov. 3, 2022. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
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Chloe Shrager
The Tribune
Chloe Shrager is the courts and crimes reporter for The Tribune. She grew up in Palo Alto, California, and graduated from Stanford with a B.A. in Political Science. When not writing, she enjoys surfing, backpacking, skiing and hanging out with her cat, Billy Goat. Support my work with a digital subscription
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