The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department), with assistance from the American Red Cross, has commenced the annual walk-in flu clinics for people age 50 and older and adults ages 18 to 49Â who are at high risk for serious complications of influenza.
“Getting an annual flu shot is important for high-risk individuals to help prevent influenza and possible complications from flu,” said Dr. Helene Calvet, city health officer.Â
Adults who need annual seasonal flu shots include:
• Persons who are 50 years of age and older
• Persons 18 to 49 with underlying chronic medical conditions, such as heart or lung conditions, or who are immune suppressed, e.g. persons with HIV/AIDS, receiving cancer treatment, on dialysis, etc.
• Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season, or caregivers of seniors or infants
• Adults with Medicare Part B are urged to bring their Medicare card to the clinic to receive a free flu shot. Â
A $2 donation to offset administrative costs will be requested from people who do not have Medicare. No appointment is needed at the following sites:
American Gold Star Manor
Spring at Santa Fe
Nov. 3, 9am—noon
Houghton Park
6301 Myrtle Ave.
Nov. 4, 9am—noon
Cal Rec. Center at McBride Park
1550 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave.
Nov. 12, 9am—noon
Long Beach Health Dept.
2525 Grand Ave.
Nov. 16, 1pm—4pm
Long Beach Health Dept.
2525 Grand Ave.
Nov. 18, 1pm—4pm
Long Beach Health Dept.
2525 Grand Ave.
Nov. 23, 9am—noon
Long Beach Health Dept.
2525 Grand Ave.
Nov. 29, 1pm—4pm
Long Beach Health Dept.
2525 Grand Ave.
Nov. 30, 9am—noon
This year only, the California Department of Public Health has also made pneumonia vaccine available for use at the annual flu clinics. While supplies last, we will offer free pneumonia vaccine to people who qualify. The standard recommendation for pneumonia vaccine is one dose after the age of 65. People over 60 who smoke or who have lung, kidney or heart disease are encouraged to get pneumonia vaccine early with a second shot after the age of 65.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend annual seasonal flu vaccine for all children age 6 months to 18 years. According to the CDC, influenza is one of the leading causes of death in the nation among people in all age groups. The Health Department will have seasonal flu vaccine available or infants over the age of 6 months and others who cannot attend the clinics listed above at its regularly scheduled immunization clinic located at 2525 Grand Ave. Appointments are required and can be made by calling (562) 570-4315.
Influenza viruses are always changing, so the formulation of flu vaccine changes annually, which is why flu shots are recommended every year.
Vaccine from previous years does not provide protection. Annual flu shots are always formulated with the three strains that scientists predict will be likely to cause flu disease in the coming months. Flu disease is most common in the months of January and February, so getting a vaccine in November or December should still provide protection. The three strains of flu in the 2010—11 vaccine are A/California (H1N1), A/Perth and B/Brisbane. Note that this year’s vaccine includes the H1N1 flu strain, which prompted public health agencies across the country to hold special clinics. This year’s annual flu vaccine includes H1N1, so a separate vaccine is unnecessary.
The Health Department’s vaccination information Shot Line is updated periodically with flu vaccine information, and may be reached at (562) 570-SHOT (570-7468). Â
More Information
longbeach.gov/health
