Vaccines

Vaccines play an important role in keeping us healthy. They protect us from serious and sometimes deadly diseases by preparing our body’s immune system to recognize certain gems and fight off infections.

The COVID-19 vaccine protects us from the virus that causes COVID-19 without having to get the illness. If you are later come into contact with someone who has COVID-19, your immune system will be able to help you not get sick from it.

Vaccines play an important role in keeping us healthy. They protect us from serious and sometimes deadly diseases by preparing our body’s immune system to recognize certain gems and fight off infections.

The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect us from getting COVID-19. If you get vaccinated and then are around someone who has COVID-19, your body will be better at fighting it off, so you won't get sick.

When you get the COVID-19 vaccine, you're less likely to catch the virus, which also means you're less likely to give it to someone else. The more people who get vaccinated in a place, the safer everyone is, especially people who can't get vaccinated because of health problems. This idea is called "herd immunity" or community immunity. It means when enough people are vaccinated, the whole community is safer, even those who haven't been vaccinated.

Vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent disease and save lives. When we get vaccinated, we are not just protecting ourselves, but also those around us. For some people, like those who are very ill, it is recommended that they do not get certain vaccines. They depend on the rest of us to get vaccinated and help reduce the spread of disease.

Stay Healthy: Vaccines protect us from getting serious illnesses and feeling really sick.
Protect yourself and your loved ones: By getting vaccinated, we also protect those who can't get vaccinated, like infants and those with weakened immune systems.
Avoid Disruptions: Vaccinations mean less chance of changing our plans or missing important activities because of illness.
Safe Schools and Activities: Vaccinations are a vital part of keeping schools and activities safe for everyone involved.

To check if a certain vaccine is available, please call the Immunization Clinic at (562) 570-7912.

COVID-19 is a contagious disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus and ranges from mild symptoms to severe illness. Older adults and individuals with preexisting health conditions are at greater risk of severe complications. COVID-19 can present a wide range of symptoms including:

• Fever or chills
• New loss of taste or smell
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Congestion or runny nose
• Fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle or body aches
• Diarrhea
• Headache

If you experience symptoms of COVID-19, get tested as soon as possible. COVID-19 symptoms can be reduced with rest and medications that help alleviate symptoms. Antiviral medications are available from a health care provider for those who qualify. Contact your healthcare provider for more information.

Getting vaccinated is the most effective method to prevent COVID-19. A dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for everyone ages 6 months+. The Long Beach Health Department is offering COVID-19 vaccines to:

• Adults ages 19+ who are uninsured or underinsured [through the Bridge Access Program (BAP)]
• Children between ages 6 months and 18 years who are uninsured, underinsured, or enrolled in Medi-Cal [through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program]

Influenza, or flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses and can cause mild to severe symptoms. Flu signs and symptoms can include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)

Treating flu symptoms should involve rest and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Flu antiviral drugs may be prescribed by a health care provider to individuals at high risk of serious flu complications.

Receiving a flu vaccine each fall can reduce your chances of getting the flu. Vaccines are available at our Immunization Clinic, local pharmacies, and from your healthcare provider. 

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory illness that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms but can cause serious complications. People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4-6 days after exposure. Symptoms can include:

• Runny nose
• Decreased appetite
• Coughing and sneezing
• Fever
• Wheezing

RSV can cause serious infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and older adults with chronic medical conditions. Antiviral medications are not routinely recommended, but symptoms may be relieved with over-the-counter medications and by staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.

RSV immunizations are now available for those who qualify. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends RSV immunizations for adults ages 60+, infants and young children, and pregnant people. Refer to the CDC website or contact a health care provider to confirm eligibility and for more information.