City Reminds Long Beach Residents to Get Their Flu Shots

From the city of Long Beach:

The change in seasons and cooler weather is a reminder that it’s time for residents to get their annual flu shot. While winter is the typical time for flu activity, outbreaks can occur as early as October, so it’s not too early to get a flu shot now.

“Everyone age 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine each year, especially those with a health condition that may increase their risk of serious complications from the flu,” said Dr. Mitchell Kushner, Long Beach City Health Officer. “By getting the vaccine, people can protect themselves from seasonal flu and may also avoid spreading the flu to others.”

Flu shots are especially important for people at high risk for serious complications from the flu, including people ages 60 and older, pregnant women, caregivers of seniors or infants, and anyone with an underlying chronic medical condition (such as heart or lung condition) or who are immune compromised such as persons with HIV/AIDS, on dialysis, or receiving cancer treatment.

Residents should contact their regular doctor for information on where and when they can get a flu shot. Many private providers have already received flu vaccine and are making it available to their patients. In addition some neighborhood pharmacies are providing flu vaccine to the public at a low fee.

The Health Department is hosting several neighborhood flu clinics throughout the city Appointments will also be accepted at the Health Department during regular business hours by calling 562.570.4315 (a small administrative fee may apply). Adults with Medicare Part B or other insurance are urged to bring their Medicare/insurance card to their appointment. Parents should bring their children’s immunization records – some children will need two doses of the vaccine given one month apart depending on their immunization history. No appointment is needed at the following sites:

2014 Health Department Flu Clinic Schedule

Monday, Oct. 20

9 a.m.-noon

American Gold Star Manor

3021 N. Gold Star Drive (enter on Spring)

Thursday, Oct. 23

2-7 p.m.

Long Beach Health Department Main Facility

2525 Grand Ave.

Monday, Oct. 27

9 a.m.-noon

McBride Park/Cal Rec Center

1550 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave.

Tuesday, Oct. 28

9 a.m.-noon

Houghton Park Community Center

6301 Myrtle Ave.

Thursday, Oct. 30

9 a.m.-noon

Bixby Park

130 Cherry Ave.

Thursday, Nov. 6

9 a.m.-noon

Scherer Park

4600 Long Beach Blvd.

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

· Avoid close contact with people who are sick

· Stay home from work or school if you are sick

· Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze

· Wash hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer frequently

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

· Eat healthy food, drink plenty of water, take vitamins, get plenty of rest, do not smoke, and avoid alcoholic beverages

In addition to offering flu clinics, the Department is also working with local hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and other healthcare providers to ensure that their staff are vaccinated against the flu in order to protect patients.

For more information about the flu or upcoming clinics, call the Health Department’s Vaccination Information Line at (562) 570-SHOT (570-7468) or visit www.longbeach.gov/health.

PHOTO Patch file photo.

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