The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) will be administering flu vaccinations free of charge during the month of October at City-run vaccination sites and community clinics. This initiative aims to prepare residents for the upcoming flu season, which typically spans from mid-fall to mid-spring.
“We encourage everyone to stay up to date with their vaccines, which includes getting the flu shot,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “Not only will this protect you, it also protects people at high risk for flu hospitalizations, including older adults and very young children.”
The largest clinic this year will be held on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Main Health (2525 Grand Ave). The clinic will offer both walk-up and drive-through options. These large-scale clinics serve as training exercises for mass vaccination efforts, which proved invaluable during the COVID-19 vaccination campaign.
In addition to the Main Health clinic, flu vaccines will be available at various community clinics throughout October:
- Wednesday, Oct. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at McBride Park (1550 Martin Luther King Jr Ave.)
- Tuesday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at El Dorado Park West (2800 N. Studebaker Rd.)
- Tuesday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Admiral Kidd Park (2125 Santa Fe Ave.)
- Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Silverado Park (1545 W. 31st St.)
- Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Long Beach Senior Center (1150 E. 4th St.)
- Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave.)
- Friday, Oct. 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bixby Park (130 Cherry Ave.)
- Appointments for flu vaccinations can also be made through medical providers or by visiting MyTurn.ca.gov.
For those seeking vaccinations at the Health Department, appointments can be scheduled by calling 562.570.7912 during regular business hours, with a small administrative fee applied.
The Health Department recommends everyone aged six months and older receive a flu vaccine annually, especially those with health conditions that may increase their susceptibility to serious flu complications. In addition to building immunity against the flu and preventing severe illness, the vaccine can also reduce the risk of contracting other respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
“Everyone should take influenza seriously,” City Health Officer Anissa Davis said in a public statement. “Influenza can make you feel really horrible, can cause missed work and school days, and lead to severe illness or death. This year, with the dual threat of COVID-19, it’s especially important that everyone get their annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines.”
Common flu symptoms include fever, chills, aches, pains, and coughing, with potentially deadly consequences for some individuals. The following groups are part of the high-risk populations:
- Infants six months and younger
- Adults aged 60 and older
- Pregnant individuals
- Caregivers of older adults or infants
- Those with underlying chronic medical conditions, including diabetes, heart, lung, kidney, liver conditions and more
- Immune-compromised individuals, including those with HIV/AIDS, receiving cancer treatment, or on dialysis
To further prevent the spread of the flu, individuals are advised to:
- Avoid close contact with sick individuals
- Stay home from work or school when ill
- Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer
- Refrain from touching eyes, nose and mouth
- Clean and disinfect potentially contaminated surfaces
- Seek antiviral drugs as prescribed by a doctor if infected
For additional information on the 2023 flu season, visit longbeach.gov/flu or contact the Public Health Information Line at 562.570.7907. Follow @LongBeachCity and @LBHealthDept on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates.
It’s excellent to see the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services taking proactive measures to provide free flu vaccinations to residents. Mayor Rex Richardson’s emphasis on the importance of flu shots to protect both individuals and those at higher risk is commendable. Offering convenient access to these vaccines at multiple community clinics ensures that public health is a top priority during the upcoming flu season.