Respiratory virus season is here: vaccinate

Everyone 6 months and older is encouraged to get their annual flu shot as soon as possible, since flu activity is higher now than in previous years.  

Alongside flu shots for all over 6 months, state and local health officials recommend that people with certain risk factors should also get vaccinated against COVID-19 and RSV:

• COVID-19: Available to all who choose to reduce risk of severe illness. Recommended for people 6-23 months old and over 65 years old; anyone over 6 months old with risk factors or with close contact with those at risk; all who are planning pregnancy, pregnant, or postpartum
• RSV: Children under 8 months; adults 75 and older; those 50-74 years old with risk factors 

In addition to your doctor or local pharmacy, those with and without health insurance can find many vaccination types and sites at MyTurn. You can also get a free flu shot at the City of Berkeley Immunization Clinic or at one of our upcoming pop-up clinics. 

Protect yourself, your family, and your community from respiratory illnesses by getting vaccinated, masking in higher-risk settings, and staying home when you’re sick.

Free flu vaccines through Berkeley Public Health 

Make an appointment to get a free flu vaccine at the West Berkeley Immunization Clinic. No ID or insurance is required.

The clinic is open:

• Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays: 9:00 am–12:00 pm, 1:00 pm–3:00 pm. 

Make an appointment by phone, email, or online to get vaccinated:

• Phone: (510) 981-5350
• Email: phmailbox@berkeleyca.gov
• Book online

You can also visit one of our free flu vaccine pop-up clinics. The currently scheduled clinics are:

For questions or to request an accessibility accommodation, please contact phmailbox@berkeleyca.gov.

More pop-up clinics may be scheduled; check the ‘upcoming events’ section at the bottom of the Vaccination Services page for upcoming clinic dates.

Flu and COVID vaccinations save lives

Current California Department of Public Health data show that positive tests for influenza and COVID-19 are higher than in years past. 

• For influenza, test positivity in the Bay Area is 9.88%, compared to 1.80% and 1.67% in comparable periods in 2024 and 2025, respectively. 
• For COVID-19, test positivity in the Bay Area is 8.49%, compared to 4.89% and 7.87% in comparable periods in 2024 and 2025, respectively.  

Timely flu and COVID vaccines help prevent disease that can cause hospitalization and even death.

Vaccination is especially important for children, pregnant people, adults over 65, and those with chronic medical conditions. These groups are at higher risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses.

“Immunization against respiratory viruses reduces your risk of getting sick—and if you do get sick, it reduces the risk of hospitalization. 

Vaccination doesn’t just keep you safe, it helps protect others in your life. Respiratory viruses can be life-threatening for children, older adults, and others.”

— Dr. Noemi Doohan, City of Berkeley Public Health Officer

Health care facilities may ask staff and visitors to wear masks when respiratory illnesses are spreading widely in our region. Wearing a mask is a simple way to help protect yourself and others, especially when visiting places that care for people at higher risk of severe illness.

Symptoms of respiratory viruses include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. If you have symptoms, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever goes away.

Help stop the spread of respiratory viruses:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• If you don't have a tissue to cough into, cover your nose and mouth with your elbow or arm.
• Limit your contact with others and stay home from work or school if you are ill.

Stay healthy this season. Plan to get your flu and COVID vaccines today at your doctor’s office, local pharmacy, or using MyTurn. Or get your free flu vaccine through the City of Berkeley’s Immunization Clinic.

Resources for respiratory virus season

• MyTurn (California Department of Public Health Vaccine Administration System)
• City of Berkeley Vaccination Services
• Free Flu Vaccination Pop-Up Clinics in Berkeley
  • Wednesday, October 14: Multicultural Institute
  • Thursday, October 15: UC Berkeley
  • Thursday, October 22: Berkeley City College
  • Monday, November 9: South Berkeley Senior Center
• West Berkeley Family Wellness Center
• Respiratory Viruses
  • Respiratory Viruses Hub (California Department of Public Health)
  • Respiratory Virus Dashboard (California Department of Public Health)
  • Respiratory Virus Season Immunization Recommendations (Joint recommendation from California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii public health officials)