--- title: "MLS player stays in game by getting annual flu shot | Sutter Health" description: "San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Shea Salinas partnered with Sutter Health to promote flu shots, saying the quick step keeps him healthy on and off the field." url: "https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/community-impact/athletes-know-the-flu-shot-keeps-you-healthy-on-and-off-the-field" --- 1. [Home](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Community impact](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/community-impact) / 3. Athletes Know The Flu Shot Keeps You Healthy On And Off The Field # MLS player stays in game by getting annual flu shot San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Shea Salinas partnered with Sutter Health to promote flu shots, saying the quick step keeps him healthy on and off the field. December 1, 2020 by Emma Dugas Despite cold conditions, rain and mud, players and fans eagerly anticipate Major League Soccer’s playoffs in November and December. And while things certainly are different this year with COVID-19, very few things normally keep a fan out of the stands or an athlete off the field. However, the flu is one of them. “Our playoffs are in the winter months, when flu and seasonal colds are circulating,” said Shea Salinas, midfielder for the San Jose Earthquakes. “I get the flu shot every year to guard against getting sick and potentially missing an important game.” **Instead of being benched by the flu, Salinas is scoring goals.** He recently [scored a crucial goal](https://www.sjearthquakes.com/post/2020/09/27/match-recap-earthquakes-2-lafc-1) in a 2-1 win over Los Angeles Football Club just days after getting his flu shot at a [Sutter Walk-In Care Center](http://www.sutterhealth.org/walk-in-care-flu-shots). “They say defense wins championships, and defending yourself from the flu keeps you performing your best,” remarked Salinas. **Passionate about promoting health**, Salinas was happy to use his celebrity status to spread the word about the importance of getting a flu shot, especially because people who skip the flu vaccine this year could run the risk of getting the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. Working with Sutter Health, exclusive healthcare partner of the San Jose Earthquakes, Salinas filmed a public service announcement that emphasizes that it’s quick, easy and safe to get your flu shot. The flu shot won’t protect you from getting COVID-19, but it’ll help prevent you from getting sick with both the flu and COVID at the same time. To schedule your flu shot at a Sutter Health Walk-In Care, call [800-972-5547](tel:+8009725547) or visit our [website](https://www.sutterhealth.org/for-patients/flu-resources) for other appointment options. ## Topics [Cold and Flu](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/search?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Cold+and+Flu%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=articles)[Screenings and Immunizations](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/search?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Screenings+and+Immunizations%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=articles) ## Immunology Your immune system protects you, and keeping it in balance is essential. If you're dealing with allergies, immune disorders or frequent infections, our immunology specialists can diagnose and treat the root cause. [Learn more about Immunology](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/immunology) ## Related articles ### [Flu's Clues: Sniffing Out Symptoms & Solutions](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/perspectives/flus-clues-sniffing-out-symptoms-solutions) ### [2023 Respiratory Virus Forecast: How This Season May Shape Up](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/perspectives/flu-forecast-2023-how-this-season-may-shape-up) ### [Tried and True Approaches Can Help Tackle ‘Tripledemic’](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/perspectives/tried-and-true-approaches-can-help-tackle-tripledemic) ### [Flu Hasn't Flown; Time Is Now to Get Vaccinated](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/perspectives/flu-hasnt-flown-away-time-is-now-to-get-vaccinated) [See all from Community impact](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/community-impact) ## Check your Vitals Get the latest in health innovation, community impact and patient care from Sutter Health — delivered straight to your inbox. 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