Health check: It's time to get your flu shot and here is where to go in El Paso

Now is a good time to get the flu shot — and it's safe to get it along with the COVID-19 vaccine, health officials say.

“This is a great opportunity to get protected against the flu early in the season,” Danny Acosta, director of Immunize El Paso, said in a news release. “Immunization is the most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the potentially deadly virus.”

Immunize El Paso has begun offering flu shots at each of its three clinics on an appointment and walk-in basis. The nonprofit also is working with area schools and businesses to help protect anyone wanting a flu vaccination.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flu vaccines for everyone 6 months old and older, including pregnant women, children, teens, adults and seniors.

Immunize El Paso carries unique formulations for patients older than 65 and individuals with egg allergies. The organization will be offering both the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine throughout the vaccination campaign.

Flu vaccines are safe to co-administer with COVID-19 vaccines, should anyone choose to receive both.  

How to set up flu shots with Immunize El Paso

Visit immunizeelpaso.org/flu to schedule an appointment and upload health insurance documents.

Those with difficulties with digital registration can walk in to register. Patients with mobility restrictions also can participate in the Flu2You program by visiting https://www.immunizeelpaso.org/flu2you/ or by calling 915-539-2868.

Immunize El Paso locations:

Central El Paso: San Juan Clinic, 6292 Trowbridge Drive.  Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. 915-533-3414.

Downtown El Paso: 513 E. San Antonio Ave., Suite B. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 915-857-2474.                                                                                       

East El Paso: 1400 George Dieter Drive, Suite 225. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. 915-857-2474.

City health fair will include flu shots

The city's Department of Public Health and the El Paso Fire Department will have a Health and Wellness Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, at Abundant Living Faith Center East, 1000 Valley Crest Drive.

The Fire Department will provide free flu shots to seniors 65 years and older. There also will be pneumonia vaccines for people 65 years and older, shingles vaccines for those 50 years and older, and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis).

Other available screenings will include: blood pressure, body mass index, rapid testing for detection of sexually transmitted infections, dental exams and glucose testing.

The Fire Department also will provide free COVID-19 vaccines (first and second doses) for individuals 12 years and older.

Information: 915-212-6517 or visit EPHealth.com under the Medicaid Waiver tab.

Walmart, CVS offering flu shots

Walmart stores are offering flu shots through walk-up and community flu shot clinics.

To learn more about the flu shots and wellness resources available at your neighborhood Walmart, go to walmart.com/wellnesshub.

People can make vaccine appointments at CVS pharmacies by visiting CVS.com, through the CVS app, or by texting FLU to 287898.

Walk-in appointments are welcome at CVS Pharmacies as well. 

More:3 El Paso County school districts report nearly 500 student COVID-19 cases in first month

More:El Paso Child Guidance Center is ‘raising the roof’ on mental health

María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@elpasotimes.com; @EPTMaria on Twitter.