PRESS RELEASE
City of Long Beach
Public Information Office
411 W. Ocean Blvd,
Long Beach, CA 90802
Outreach & Risk Communication Specialist
Department of Health & Human Services
562.570.4290
Jennifer.Gonzalez@longbeach.gov
After a particularly severe flu season last year, the City of Long Beach Health Department (Health Department) is providing access to free flu shots in the coming season by hosting neighborhood flu vaccination clinics throughout Long Beach. The first event is a free vaccination clinic that will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2018, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Veterans Memorial Stadium, located at 5000 E. Lew Davis Street. This will be the largest flu vaccination clinic in Long Beach and attendees will have the option of receiving their vaccines without getting out of their cars. Anyone 12 years and older can receive the vaccine in a drive-thru. Families with children under 12 years old will be directed to the walk-up area.
The Health Department recommends that everyone six months of age and older get the flu vaccine every year, especially those with a health condition that may increase their risk of serious complications from the flu. The flu vaccine helps develop immunity and lessens the severity of flu symptoms if infection occurs.
For most people, flu symptoms may include fever, chills, aches, pains, and coughing, while for others, the flu can be deadly. Flu shots are especially important for people at high risk for serious complications from the flu, including:
- Those 60 years of age and older.
- Pregnant women.
- Caregivers of seniors or infants.
- Those with underlying chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or a chronic heart, lung, kidney or liver condition.
- Those who are immune compromised, such as persons with HIV/AIDS, are on dialysis, or receiving cancer treatment.
A complete listing of the upcoming free vaccination clinics is available in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog at www.longbeach.gov/flu. No appointments are necessary.
In addition to the free neighborhood flu clinics, the community can also schedule a flu shot appointment at the Health Department by calling (562) 570-4315 during regular business hours. A small administrative fee, covered by most insurance providers, will apply at the time of the appointment. Adults with Medicare Part B or other insurance must bring their Medicare/insurance card to their appointment. Parents should bring their children’s immunization records, as some children will need two doses of the vaccine administered one month apart, depending on their immunization history.
The Health Department also recommends that everyone practices 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 if the doctor prescribes them.
For more information about the 2017-2018 flu season, the community is encouraged to visit: http://www.longbeach.gov/flu.
The free flu vaccination clinics are made possible through funding from the California Department of Public Health.
Media inquiries can be directed to Jennifer A. Gonzalez, Outreach & Risk Communication Specialist with the Long Beach Department of Health & Human Services at 562.570.4290 or Jennifer.Gonzalez@longbeach.gov.