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Flu Information

Welcome to our Flu Information Web page. Here you can access helpful information about:

Enloe's Flu and TDAP Vaccination Clinics

In response to a recent California epidemic of pertussis (also known as whooping cough), free Tdap vaccine will be available at our flu vaccination clinics. Tdap protects against pertussis as well as tetanus and diphtheria. Vaccine will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis. Participants are asked to wear clothing that allows vaccination on the upper arm.

Wednesday, Sept. 15
Low-cost walk-in flu clinic with free Tdap vaccine available

7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or as supplies last) at Enloe’s Cohasset Campus, 560 Cohasset Road, Chico. Please use north entrance (not main entrance) Each vaccine costs $20; cash and checks will be accepted. If you are Medicare eligible, please bring your Medicare ID card. MediCal cannot be accepted.

Wednesday, Sept. 22
Free drive-through flu and Tdap clinic

7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Calvary Chapel, 1888 Springfield Drive, Chico. Please use this driving route to enable an orderly and equitable process: Take Highway 32, turn south at Forest Avenue. Turn right at the second Springfield Drive. The first driveway into the clinic is the only entrance. Please remain in your car upon arrival.

Thursday, Sept. 30
 Free walk-in flu and Tdap clinic

7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or as supplies last) at Manzanita Place (Elks Lodge), 1705 Manzanita Ave., Chico. Please park in the rear parking lot and form a line from the front door to the rear parking lot.

Who can get the vaccine?

  • The flu vaccine will be for adults and children age four and up. It protects against seasonal flu and the H1N1 influenza strain. The vaccine is not appropriate for pregnant women, who may call (530) 332-6444 to learn about availability of suitable flu vaccine.
  • The Tdap vaccine will be for adults and children age 11 years and older. Pregnant women should consult with their obstetrician and can call the Butte County Health Department at (530) 538-2840 to make an appointment for free Tdap vaccination in Chico and Oroville.

TDap Vaccination: protection and boosters

Tdap vaccination protects those being vaccinated and helps provide a “cocoon” of protection around infants too young to be fully vaccinated, according to the Butte County Public Health Department. The vaccine also protects against diphtheria and tetanus. Children who had the pertussis vaccine (DTaP) as infants or young children need to receive an adolescent booster beginning at age 11 because protection wears off over time. Adults need a booster too!

Precautions against flu

Here are some preventative steps you can take to protect yourself and others from getting sick:

  • Get a flu vaccination. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. Some groups of people are very encouraged to get the shot, but the flu shot is not for everyone.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are coughing, sneezing, or otherwise sick.
  • Stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick – to prevent others from catching your illness.
  • Cover your mouth with your sleeve or a tissue when sneezing or coughing. Remind children of this often.
  • Wash your hands often with plenty of soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Use waterless hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth after touching things, germs often spread this way. Children especially must be reminded of this often.
  • Avoid sharing food, eating utensils, and beverage containers, and bath towels, even toothpaste tubes.
  • Get plenty of sleep and exercise, manage stress, drink plenty of water, eat nutritious food, and not smoking will help you stay healthy.

If you catch the flu

  • If you go to your doctor or walk-in clinic, such as either of Enloe's two Prompt Care Clinics, in the first 48 hours of being sick, you may be able to receive antiviral medications. This can reduce illness by one to two days. Otherwise, it's helpful to rest and sleep, drink fluids, and treat the fever and aches with Tylenol, Advil or Motrin (acetaminophen or ibuprofen). Prompt Care can also see you if you need medical attention for your flu or cold. The Prompt Care Clinics are open 7 days a week. See the Prompt Care web page for hours of operation and locations.
  • Parents and caregivers should avoid aspirin and products that contain aspirin to treat
    influenza or cold symptoms in children and teenagers     because aspirin has been linked to a rare disease known as Reye’s syndrome. This disease can lead to a coma, brain damage and even death in children and teenagers suffering from influenza or influenza-like illness. Instead of aspirin, parents should use products such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen when treating influenza and cold symptoms.

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