SAN DIEGO — It’s hard to believe that something so small could cause so much harm.
But, during the 2024-2025 flu season, almost 40,000 people in San Diego County caught the flu virus, and 220 died from it, compared to 63 deaths the previous season.
Flu season typically runs from October to May, with the highest concentration of cases occurring between December and February.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranks those younger than 2, those age 65 and older, those with chronic health conditions, and pregnant women among those with increased risk for flu complications. But influenza doesn’t discriminate against other demographics.
During the last flu season, five teenagers — all of whom were unvaccinated — died from the flu in San Diego County.
The CDC recommends an annual flu shot for everyone six months and older.
“The (flu) season is coming. There’s a lot of possibility (that) people could die,” warned Appaswamy “Vino” Pajanor, chief executive officer of Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego.
The County of San Diego’s Health and Human Services Agency is partnering with local organizations, including Catholic Charities, to raise awareness about the importance of getting vaccinated against influenza.
In an effort to save lives, Bishop Michael Pham isn’t just encouraging his flock to protect themselves and others by being vaccinated. He’s leading by example.
The bishop will be rolling up his sleeves and getting his flu shot on Oct. 1 at the diocesan Pastoral Center, where 69 diocesan employees will be lining up behind him to receive their own vaccinations.
Those interested in receiving a flu shot can get one at their doctor’s office or a local pharmacy. For those without healthcare coverage, free shots are available at the county’s six public health centers.
The county offers several tips on avoiding the flu and preventing its spread. These include: remembering to wash your hands (or use hand sanitizer); staying away from those who are sick; avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth; disinfecting surfaces; and staying home when you’re feeling ill.
Explaining the Church’s involvement in promoting the flu vaccine, Pajanor said that it is part of “the charitable works of the Church, acts of mercy,” to which the Church is called.
“Flu season comes every year,” he said. “We, as a Church, have to ensure that people are healthy in body, mind and spirit — both the spiritual side and the temporal side.”
Find a flu vaccination location near you at vaccinefinder.org. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, call 2-1-1.
