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Take Action To Prevent The Flu!

HSS Flu Logo - Fight the Flu! Get Vaccinated

The flu virus can cause serious illness and is easily spread from person to person. As we approach flu season, it's more important than ever to take proactive steps to protect our health and the well-being of those around us. The San Francisco Health Service System (SFHSS) is sponsoring FREE Flu Shots for City and County Employees and Retirees this month. Get vaccinated and fight the flu. It’s the best way to protect yourself, your family, and the community against flu.

Find an SFHSS sponsored clinic near you and get your flu shot today!

  • Wednesday, 10/1 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm*: San Francisco City Hall, 1 B. Goodlett Place, South Light Court
  • Tuesday, 10/14 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm: San Francisco Permit Building, 49 South Van Ness, Room 0134
  • Wednesday, 10/22 – 9:00 am – 2:00 pm*: San Francisco Health Service System, 1145 Market St., 2nd Floor
  • Thursday, 10/30 – 9:00 am – 2:00 pm: San Francisco Human Services Agency, 170 Otis St., 1st Floor Born Auditorium

No appointments necessary. 

*Flu clinics combined with an Open Enrollment Benefits Fair

BE PREPARED: Know Before You Go

STEP 1: Prior to arrival, print and complete the Flu Consent and Waiver Form.

STEP 2: Bring your medical card and your DSW/city ID (for active employees) with you to the flu clinic. You will be required to show your medical card in order to get your vaccine.

STEP 3: After you get vaccinated, take a photo of your completed form for your records.

Department Specific Flu Shot Clinics

  • Restricted Flu Clinics

    The following clinics have restricted access and are available for first responders and employees who have building access at the listed addresses:

    • Wednesday, 10/1 - 4:00pm - 9:00pm: SFFD Ingleside, 1 Sgt. John V Young Ln.
    • Tuesday, 10/7 - 7:30am - 12:30am: SF Public Utilities Commission City Distribution Division, 1980 Oakdale Ave.
    • Wednesday, 10/8* - 12:00pm - 5:00pm: SF Police Department Head Quarters, 1245 3rd St, Conference Room 1025
    • Wednesday, 10/8 - 7:30am - 12:30pm: Hetch Hetchy Water & Power, 1 Lakeshore, Dr., Moccasin
    • Thursday, 10/9 - 5:00am - 1:00pm: SF Municipal Transportation Agency MME, 601 25th St, Room 239 D&E
    • Wednesday, 10/15* - 9:00am - 3:00pm: SF Public Works Operations Yard, 2323 Cesar Chavez St
    • Tuesday, 10/21 - 7:00am - 11:00am: SF Public Utilities Commission Wastewater Enterprise, 750 Phelps Street Building 930 Conference Room
    • Thursday, 10/23 - 10:00am - 4:00pm: SF Municipal Transportation Agency Flynn, 1940 Harrison St.
    • Tuesday, 10/28 - 10:00am - 4:00pm: SF Municipal Transportation Agency Kirkland, 2301 Stockton St.

    *Flu clinics combined with an Open Enrollment Benefits Fair.

2025 Flu Shot FAQs

  • SHFSS Worksite Flu Clinic FAQs

    Who is eligible for a flu shot at a worksite clinic?

    Employees, retirees and spouses/domestic partners of retirees insured through the SFHSS sponsored health plans from the following employers: CCSF, Unified School District, Community College District and the Superior Court. Some clinics are only open to employees with access to that facility. Worksite clinics are not for spouses/domestic partners and children of City employees. 

    Who should NOT attend a worksite flu clinic?

    Spouses/domestic partners and children of City employees, people who are sick, have the flu or have COVID-19 symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19. 

    Do I need to schedule an appointment to get a flu shot at an SFHSS-sponsored worksite flu clinic?

    You may register and schedule and appointment however appointments are not required. 

    Do I need to bring any specific ID with me?

    Yes, it will be required that you show your medical ID card prior to obtaining your vaccine.

    Can I receive a COVID-19 Booster shot at the flu clinics? 

    No. SFHSS will not be administrating COVID-19 booster shots at the flu clinics.

    How soon can I get my flu shot after receiving a COVID-19 shot? 

    The CDC states COVID-19 shots may now be administered without regard to the timing of other vaccines. 

    Is there any paperwork I need to fill out and if so, can I fill it out in advance of the clinic?

    Yes, you will need to print out and complete the Informed Consent form and bring it with you to the clinic. If you are interested in a copy of your form, you will need to take an image of it on your smart phone on the day of the event.

    • Download the English version HERE
    • Download the Spanish version HERE

     

    General Flu Vaccination FAQ's

    What are the benefits of flu shot?

    There are many reasons to get a flu shot each year. Such as:

    • Flu shot can keep you from getting sick with the flu.
    • Flu shot can reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalization for children, working-age adults, and older adults.
    • Flu shot is an important preventive tool for people with chronic health conditions.
    • Flu shot helps protect women during and after pregnancy.
    • Flu shots can be life-saving in children.
    • Flu shot has been shown to reduce the severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick.
    • Getting a flu shot yourself may also protect people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.


    Does flu shot work right away?

    No. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection. That’s why it’s best to get a flu shot before flu viruses start to spread in your community.

    Does the flu shot increase your risk of getting COVID-19?

    There is no evidence that getting a flu shot increases the risk of getting COVID-19. There are many benefits from flu vaccination and preventing flu is always important, but in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s even more important to do everything possible to reduce illnesses and preserve scarce health care resources.

    Can I get seasonal flu even though I got a flu shot this year?

    Yes. It’s possible to get sick with flu even if you have been vaccinated (although you won’t know for sure unless you get a flu test). This is possible for the following reasons:

    • You may be exposed to a flu virus shortly before getting vaccinated or during the period that it takes the body to gain protection after getting vaccinated.
    • You may be exposed to a flu virus that is not included in the seasonal flu shot.
    • Unfortunately, some people can become infected with a flu virus a flu shot is designed to protect against, despite getting a flu shot. Protection provided by a flu shot can vary widely, based in part on health and age factors of the person getting a shot


    What protection does a flu vaccine provide if I do get sick with flu?

    Some people who get vaccinated may still get sick. However, flu shot has been shown in some studies to reduce the severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick.

    Can a flu shot give me flu?

    No, a flu shot cannot cause flu illness.

    What side effects can occur after getting a flu shot?

    While a flu shot cannot give you flu illness, there are different side effects that may be associated with getting a flu shot. These side effects are mild and short-lasting, especially when compared to symptoms of a bad case of flu. Some minor side effects that may occur include soreness, redness, and/or swelling where the shot was given, headache (low grade), fever, muscle aches, nausea, and fatigue.

    For more information visit:

Resources:

Flu Prevention Handout (110.87 KB)
Flu Prevention for Retirees (110.80 KB)

Get a free flu shot through your healthcare provider.