San Francisco Department of Public Health Encourages Vaccination as City's First Influenza Death is Confirmed

SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) has been notified of the City’s first influenza-(flu) related death of the respiratory virus season. The individual was an adult. SFDPH is encouraging the public to get the updated flu and COVID vaccines, as both viruses are currently circulating. The vaccines offer the best protection from severe illness and death.

“This sad news reminds us that respiratory viruses such as flu and COVID should be taken very seriously, especially for people who are at higher risk of getting sick. With fall festivities approaching, we want people to stay healthy and do all the fun and joyful things they want to do. Vaccines help make this happen,” said San Francisco Health Officer Dr. Susan Philip. “The flu and COVID vaccines are covered by most major health plans, including Medi-Cal. Please make an appointment to get vaccinated today.”

SFDPH has aligned with the science-based flu and COVID vaccine guidance provided by the California Department of Public Health and the West Coast Health Alliance.

Flu

Everyone age six months and older is recommended to receive a yearly flu vaccine, especially people who are at increased risk for flu complications such as pregnant people, adults 65 years and over, and infants and toddlers.

COVID

The California Department of Public Health recommends the updated 2026–27 COVID vaccine to:

• All 6–23 months and 65 years and older
• All 2–18 years with risk factors or never vaccinated against COVID-19
• All 19–64 years with risk factors
• All who are planning pregnancy, pregnant, or postpartum
• All who are in close contact with others with risk factors, including healthcare workers
• All who choose to reduce risk of severe illness

It is safe and convenient to get the flu vaccine at the same time as the COVID vaccine.

The flu and COVID vaccines are available at health systems and local pharmacies. San Franciscans who do not have insurance and are over the age of four are welcome to get both vaccines free of charge at the SFDPH AITC clinic, located at 27 Van Ness Avenue. Please visit sf.gov/aitc for more information and to schedule a visit.

RSV

Another respiratory illness is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In most years, RSV is most common between October through March. Babies and older adults can sometimes become very sick from RSV and need to be hospitalized. Because of this, RSV immunization is recommended for:

• Previously unvaccinated adults 75 years and older, and 50-74 with risk factors
• Previously unvaccinated pregnant people 32-36 weeks gestational age
• Children younger than 8 months (if birthing parent did not receive RSV vaccine during pregnancy), and 8-19 months with risk factors

The RSV vaccine is not an annual vaccine. If you have already gotten an RSV vaccine, you do not need to get another one at this time. It is also covered by insurance.

Additional Safety Steps

In addition to getting vaccinated, members of the public should consider wearing a well-fitted mask in crowded indoor spaces, including when traveling. People should also stay at home if they are feeling sick.

For more information about the vaccines and where to find them, please visit sf.gov/vax.

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