San Diego County Public Health

I’ve recently lost insurance coverage so I had to actually go to a public clinic for the first time. I’ve worked at clinics as a pharmacy intern but to be on the other side as a patient is a totally different story.
You walk into the SD County Public Health building (located next to the railroad tracks) and first you have to go through security. If you’re in need of vaccinations, look to your right after the security check point and enter that room.
You will check in and the staff will give you a number so that they can call you up to discuss what you need. Once you’re called, they will have you fill out paperwork (especially if it’s your first time) and tell you that everyone needs to apply for Covered California if you are uninsured.
Turn in the paperwork right away and they will give you another number and the time to return back to the clinic for whatever vaccination you requested. At this time you will also pay for your vaccines ($ 10 per vaccination for uninsured). You can waive it if you are unable to pay for it (just ask!). MediCal patients are free but need to show their insurance benefits card at the counter.
I came in at 8:30AM and they told me to come back at 1PM. Even when I came back at 1PM, I still had to wait another hour before they called me into the office to give me a flu shot. The waiting time is horrible but what can I expect when I don’t pay for insurance?
TIPS:
— Can set up appointments online on their website to avoid my situation described above
— Parking is horrible at all times of the day so beware
— Come in early so you can get into the clinic because they do have a cut off time when they cannot accept more patients