Long Beach’s Health Department is currently offering COVID-19 vaccine boosters to people 18 years and older in order to prevent a possible winter surge.
“The vaccine remains our absolute best defense against a possible COVID-19 surge over the winter,” Mayor Robert Garcia said in a statement. “Now that all adults are able to receive a booster when their vaccine-timing makes them eligible, everyone must be vigilant and ready to get it. Our city stands ready to meet the demand with clinics open six days a week across Long Beach.”
The Health Department has observed a 22.5% increase in infections following Halloween, however, hospitalizations and deaths declined in large part due to the vaccines, according to a City statement.
“As the sun sets earlier and the weather cools, more gatherings and activities will take place indoors, where COVID-19 spreads more easily,” the statement said.
Citing studies that have shown that vaccine effectiveness can begin to wane after six months, the City encouraged getting the vaccine booster to provide added immunity during the holiday season and beyond.
“It is essential that people get vaccinated and boosted as soon as possible,” said City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis. “We urge everyone to do their part to prevent a possible winter surge in COVID-19 cases.”
Adults seeking the boosters must have received the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine at least two months ago or finished their two-dose Moderna or Pfizer vaccination series at least six months ago.
COVID-19 boosters are available at the following City-run vaccine sites:
- Houghton Park (6301 N. Myrtle Ave.) from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays (closed Dec. 1)
- CSULB (1250 Bellflower Blvd., near the bookstore) from noon to 3 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays (closed Nov. 22, Nov. 24 and Dec. 1)
- Long Beach City College Pacific Coast Campus (Orange Avenue at Pacific Coast Highway) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays (Dec. 1 morning clinic closed)
- Long Beach City College Veterans Stadium (5000 E. Lew Davis St.) Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Dec. 1 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
- Main Health (2525 Grand Ave.) from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays
- Cabrillo High School (2001 Santa Fe Ave.) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays
Appointments for vaccines and boosters are strongly suggested. People may visit myturn.ca.gov or call 562-570-4636 to make an appointment.
