Free flu vaccines available now as hospitals gear up for another season.

Last year’s flu season was fierce. Nationwide 185 children died between September 2017 and August 2018, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The CDC estimates 80 percent of those children were not vaccinated.

Across California nearly 330 people between the ages of 0-64 died, the California Department of Public Health reported. Seven of those were in Monterey County.

At the height of the outbreak last January, Dr. Sameer Bakhda, medical director of CHOMP’s emergency department, called it “one of the worst flu seasons I’ve seen in 15 years of clinical practice.”

All five hospitals in Monterey County are now getting prepared for the 2018-19 season by putting in place protocols starting Nov. 5 and running through April 30, 2018, to fight off the spread of the disease, the Monterey County Health Department announced.

Since newborn babies and the elderly are at greatest risk during the flu season, hospital visitations will be limited. Anyone with flu-like symptoms or recently exposed to the flu will not be allowed to enter patient-care areas. No children under the age of 14 will be allowed to visit patients, to protect patients.

At the direction of Monterey County Health Officer Edward Moreno all health care workers must either receive a dose of the vaccine or wear a protective barrier mask while working in patient care areas.

Free flu shot clinics launched at various locations around the county on Oct. 23 and continue through Dec. 15, although the majority are taking place before Saturday, Nov. 17. Sites are located throughout the county at schools, churches and hospitals.

A complete list of clinic locations and hours is available on the Monterey County Health Department website.

The CDC has a convenient vaccine finder—just plug in a zip code and a list of locations where vaccines are sold or offered through insurance is displayed.

Everyone from age 6 months and up is encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible, since the disease outbreak is usually at its heaviest between December and February.