The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department in collaboration with Sansum Clinic, Allan Hancock College, and the Medical Reserve Corps is hosting drive-up free flu shot events in October. All community members age two years and older can receive a free flu shot.

Participants must wear a face covering, remain in the car, complete a short form, then get a vaccination. No insurance, identification, or appointment is needed.

Locations, dates and times are:

Lompoc High School, 515 W. College Ave., Oct. 6-7, 2-6 p.m.

San Marcos High School, 4750 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara, Oct. 8-9, 2-6 p.m.

Allan Hancock College parking lot, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria, Oct. 13 and 15, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, getting a flu vaccine is important to protect yourself, your family and the community from flu. Equally important is that flu vaccination helps save limited medical resources necessary for the care of COVID-19 patients.

Just like wearing a mask, getting a flu shot is an easy and safe action to stay healthy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it can take about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body, so plan to get vaccinated early. Health experts across the country recommend everyone age six months and older, including pregnant women, get a flu vaccine.

Flu shots are covered by Medi-Cal, Medicare and by most insurance plans.

To find other locations offering the vaccine, visit www.VaccineFinder.org