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City of Long Beach to Offer Free Flu Vaccination Clinics

LBLN

Long Beach, CA – The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is hosting several community flu vaccination clinics at no charge for people without health insurance or those whose health care provider does not offer flu vaccines. These vaccine clinics will be offered at locations throughout the city in an effort to increase access for all who are interested in receiving the flu vaccine.

The flu vaccination clinics will offer walk-up options for everyone ages 6 months and older, no appointment is necessary. Clinics will take place in or adjacent to Community Centers at the following City parks and City facilities as follows:

  • El Dorado Park (2800 N. Studebaker Rd.)
    • Monday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • McBride Park (1550 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.)
    • Tuesday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Ramona Park (3301 E. 65th St.)
    • Monday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • MacArthur Park (1321 E. Anaheim St.)
    • Tuesday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Long Beach Senior Center (1150 E. 4th St.)
    • Thursday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Admiral Kidd Park (2125 Santa Fe Ave.)
    • Wednesday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Silverado Park (1545 W. 31st St.)
    • Thursday, Oct. 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Main Health Facility (2525 Grand Ave.)
    • Thursday, Oct. 20, 4 to 8 p.m.
      • Appointments will be available on MyTurn for this clinic.
      • Updated bivalent COVID-19 boosters will also be offered at this clinic.
  • Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave.)
    • Thursday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Bixby Park (130 Cherry Ave.)
    • Tuesday, Nov. 1, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Flu vaccine clinics could change due to vaccine availability and other factors. Please visit longbeach.gov/flu for the most up-to-date schedule.

Additionally, the Health Department will offer free flu vaccine at all City-run COVID-19 vaccine sites starting Monday, Oct. 10, while supplies last. Appointments for both COVID-19 and flu vaccines will be available on MyTurn. To view the full list of City-run COVID-19 vaccine sites, visit longbeach.gov/vaxLB. People may safely get vaccinated for the flu and COVID-19 on the same day.

The Health Department highly recommends that everyone six months of age and older get the flu vaccine every year, especially those with health conditions that may increase their risk of serious complications from the flu. Keeping yourself healthy by getting the flu vaccine makes you less susceptible to catching other respiratory viral illnesses such as COVID-19. Getting vaccinated for the flu decreases your risk of both contracting the flu and becoming severely ill if you do get the flu. Greater community coverage through the vaccine will also help alleviate potential burdens on the health care system.

For most people, flu symptoms can be similar to COVID-19 symptoms and 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:

  • Children younger than 5 years old.
  • Those 65 years old and older.
  • People who are pregnant.
  • Those with underlying chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or a chronic heart, lung, kidney or liver condition.
  • Those who are immunocompromised, such as people with HIV/AIDS and people who are on dialysis or receiving cancer treatment.

Caregivers and household members of older adults, young children or others at high risk of complications from the flu should also get the flu vaccine to protect the people at highest risk.

In addition to the free neighborhood flu vaccination clinics, people can contact their health care provider or pharmacist for a flu shot.

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 your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
  • Washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer frequently.
  • Avoiding touching your 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 2022 flu season and vaccine, visit: longbeach.gov/flu or call 562.570.7907.

Media inquiries may be directed to Jennifer Rice Epstein, Public Affairs Officer, Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, 562.441.3590 or Jennifer.RiceEpstein@longbeach.gov.