Number Of People Getting Flu Vaccinations Has Skyrocketed Over Last Year’s Rate
The surge in California residents running out to get their shots follows one of the most vicious flu seasons in years. So far, there has not been much to signal that this year's will be as terrible, but officials warn that it's still early and people should continue getting their vaccination if they haven't yet.
The San Diego Union-Tribune:
More People Getting Flu Shots This Year After Deadly 2017 Season
Flu vaccination across San Diego County is off to a smashing start this year. Through last week, local health providers reported giving 655,823 doses, nearly 30 percent more than had been administered by the same week last year. According to county records, nearly 150,000 more people across the region have gotten their flu shots so far this year than did in the same period last year. In just a few months, local health care workers have already given 85 percent as many vaccines as they gave during the entire 2017-2018 flu season, which contributed to the deaths of 342 people in San Diego County. (Sisson, 11/28)
In other public health news —
Sacramento Bee:
California Highway Camps Dangerous For Homeless, Workers
All over the state, the department is clearing as many as 40 camps every day along highways and underpasses, aiming to keep roads free of hazards and to clean up sites that can collect trash and hazardous waste. The task sounds straightforward, but the program grew dangerous and expensive as the state’s homeless population swelled since the recession. (Tracy and Ashton, 11/29)