PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is offering free flu vaccinations throughout the month of October, including at all City-run vaccination sites and community clinics, while supplies last. Residents are strongly encouraged to get a flu vaccine in preparation of the coming flu season, which generally runs 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. “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 of the year will take place from 2 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, at Main Health (2525 Grand Ave). This clinic will offer a walk-up option. People who cannot use the walk-up area are encouraged to drive in and request a mobile vaccination. The City conducts large-scale flu vaccination clinics each year as a training exercise for mass vaccination efforts. These trainings proved critical during the COVID-19 mass vaccination campaign, and the City continues to work on improving the process every year.

In addition to the large-scale flu clinic at Main Health, flu vaccine will be available throughout October at a number of community clinics. The schedule is as follows:  

• Wednesday, Oct. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., McBride Park (1550 Martin Luther King Jr Ave.)
• Tuesday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., El Dorado Park West (2800 N. Studebaker Rd.)
• Tuesday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Admiral Kidd Park (2125 Santa Fe Ave.)
• Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Silverado Park (1545 W. 31st St.)
• Tuesday, Oct.24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Long Beach Senior Center (1150 E. 4th St.)
• Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave.)
• Friday, Oct. 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bixby Park (130 Cherry Ave.)

People may also book appointments to receive a flu vaccine through their medical provider or by visiting MyTurn.ca.gov.

In addition to the free neighborhood flu vaccination clinic and vaccination sites, individuals can contact their healthcare provider or pharmacist for a flu vaccine. Residents may also schedule a flu vaccination appointment at the Health Department by calling 562.570.7912 during regular business hours. A small administrative fee will apply at the time of the appointment.

The Health Department highly recommends that everyone six months of age and older get the flu vaccine every year, especially for those with a health condition that may increase their risk of serious complications from the flu. Besides helping to develop immunity to the flu and prevent severe illness because of the influenza virus, the flu vaccine can also decrease the risk of acquiring other respiratory disease viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19. Greater community coverage through the vaccine will also help alleviate potential burdens on the healthcare system.

“Everyone should take influenza seriously,” said City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis.  “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.”

Flu symptoms generally include fever, chills, aches, pains and coughing and, for some people, the flu can be deadly. Flu vaccines are especially important for people at high risk for serious complications and those who live or work with them. High risk populations include:

• Infants six months of age and older
• Those 60 years of age and older
• People who are pregnant
• Caregivers of older adults or infants
• Those with underlying chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or a chronic heart, lung, kidney or liver condition
• People who are immune compromised, such as people who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and people who are on dialysis or receiving cancer treatment

The Health Department also recommends that everyone practice healthy habits to prevent getting or transmitting the flu by:

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Staying home from work or school if sick.
• Covering mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer frequently.
• Avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with flu virus.
• If the flu is contracted, taking antiviral drugs as prescribed by a doctor.

For more information about the 2023 flu season, the community is encouraged to visit: longbeach.gov/flu or call the Public Health Information Line at 562.570.7907. People are also encouraged to follow @LongBeachCity and @LBHealthDept on Facebook, Instagram and X.