The Oct. 4 event invites prospective members to learn how the organization advances equity for women and girls through scholarships, STEM programs, and community engagement.
Health officials anticipate a challenging flu season and urge residents to get vaccinated early. Redlands clinics and pharmacies are now offering no-needle options.
Free Oct. 4 event focuses on wellness and substance use prevention for ages 12–18
Health officials anticipate a challenging flu season and urge residents to get vaccinated early. Redlands clinics and pharmacies are now offering no-needle options.
REDLANDS, Calif. — With flu activity expected to rise in October and peak between December and February, health experts are urging Inland Empire residents to get their flu shots early.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention projects the 2025–2026 flu season could be more severe than average, following one of Australia’s most challenging outbreaks in a decade earlier this year.
“Studies show that getting an annual flu vaccine is your best defense against contracting influenza, a disease that can cause severe complications,” said Dr. Edward Blews, regional physician chief of infectious diseases for Kaiser Permanente Southern California, based in San Bernardino County. “The annual flu shot significantly reduces the risk of someone having a heart attack or a stroke.”
Doctors emphasize that the vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, especially older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
“Getting a flu shot not only helps keep you healthy, it also protects those around you who may be at higher risk,” said Dr. Bradley Jacoby, a Kaiser Permanente pediatrician. He stressed that a common misconception—that the flu shot can give you the flu—is false. “Nothing could be farther from the truth.”
During the 2024–2025 flu season, the CDC estimated between 470,000 and 670,000 hospitalizations nationwide and up to 36,000 deaths related to influenza.
For those who prefer an alternative to the traditional shot, some Redlands providers are also offering FluMist, a needle-free nasal spray vaccine, for the first time this fall. It is approved for healthy children and adults ages 2 through 49 and provides the same seasonal protection as the injectable flu vaccine. Residents can check here to find availability or have it delivered to their door.
In Redlands, flu vaccines are available in my locations across the city, including:
Most locations offer flu shots at no cost with insurance, and walk-ins are accepted. Kaiser Permanente is also hosting special evening and weekend clinics, and its Mobile Health Vehicle is providing vaccines at select events. For more details, visit kp.org/flu.
Be sure to confirm hours in advance, as schedules may change.
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