Coronavirus Information (COVID-19)
An outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus began in Wuhan, China in December, 2019, and has spread worldwide. The virus causing the illness is called SARS-CoV-2. The illness caused by the virus is called COVID-19.
The San Francisco Department of Public Health is monitoring the situation closely, and working actively with state and federal health authorities to identify ill individuals and protect the health of the public. For more information, visit one of our Novel Coronavirus webpages below.
Flu Season is Here: How to stay healthy
It’s not too late to get your 2019-20 seasonal flu vaccine! This flu season is expected to last through April 2020. Getting the flu vaccine now, if you haven’t already had it, improves your chance of staying healthy for the rest of this winter. Everyone age 6 months and older should have a yearly flu vaccine. The vaccine protects everyone’s health — it prevents individuals from getting sick, limits the spread of flu from person to person, and reduces the chance of hospitalization.
Flu vaccines are widely available at doctors’ offices, clinics, and pharmacies. To find a flu vaccine at a location near you, visit the Vaccine Finder or check the list of San Francisco Department of Public Health locations offering free or low-cost flu vaccinations for the public.
For more information on influenza including information for providers, visit our influenza home page.
Measles: Are your vaccines up to date?
Measles is a very contagious viral disease that is widespread in many parts of the world. Travelers can bring measles into the United States from any country where measles outbreaks are occurring.
Fortunately, measles vaccine is highly effective at preventing the disease and has been routinely recommended in the United States for many years. 97 percent of people who receive two doses of measles vaccine develop lifelong immunity to measles. People who have not been vaccinated are highly likely to get measles if they are exposed.
Typically, children in the United States get their first dose of measles vaccine beginning at 12 months of age followed by a second dose between ages 4 and 6 years. Make sure that you and your family are up to date on measles vaccine, especially before international travel. Infants aged 6-11 months should receive one early dose of measles vaccine (called MMR) before international travel.