Health Department Advises Community to Get Vaccinated at Start of Flu Season

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

“We strongly recommend that everyone six months 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,” said Dr. Anissa Davis, City Health Officer. “By getting the vaccine at the start of flu season, it gives your body a chance to develop immunity to the flu and protect yourself as well as those around you.”

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 ages 60 and older; pregnant women; caregivers of seniors or infants; anyone with an underlying chronic medical condition, such as diabetes or a chronic heart, lung, kidney or liver condition; or who are immune compromised, such as persons with HIV/AIDS, on dialysis, or receiving cancer treatment.

The Health Department will be hosting several Neighborhood Flu Clinics throughout the City. The first clinic will be on Thursday, October 19, 2017, 2-7 pm, at the Long Beach Health Department, 2525 Grand Avenue. The following clinics are free of charge and no appointment is needed:

Thursday, October 19 (2-7 p.m.)
Main Health Department (Drive thru and walk up)
2525 Grand Ave
Long Beach, 90815

Tuesday, October 24 (9 a.m. - 12 noon)
Long Beach Senior Center
1150 4th Street
Long Beach, CA 90802

Thursday, October 26th (9 a.m. - 12 noon)
Scherer Park
4600 Long Beach Blvd
Long Beach, CA 90805

Wednesday, November 1 (9 a.m. - 12 noon)
McBride Park
1550 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave
Long Beach, CA 90813

Friday, November 3 (9 a.m. - 12 noon)
El Dorado Park Teen Center
2800 Studebaker Road
Long Beach, CA 90815

Monday, November 6 (9 a.m. - 12 noon)
Bixby Park
130 Cherry Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802

Wednesday, November 8 (9 a.m. - 12 noon)
Houghton Park
6301 Myrtle Ave
Long Beach, CA 90805

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 are urged to 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 given one month apart depending on their immunization history.

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, and avoid alcoholic beverages.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Do not smoke.

The Health Department is also working with local hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and other healthcare providers to ensure that their staff are vaccinated against the flu to protect patients.

For more information about the 2017-2018 flu season, visit: http://www.longbeach.gov/health/ or call 562.570.SHOT (7468).

About Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services

The mission of the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services is to improve quality of life by promoting a safe and healthy community in which to live, work and play. Long Beach Health is one of only three city-run health departments in California, which allows for better engagement with residents, neighborhoods, businesses and community partners, and fosters a greater understanding of the City's strengths. For more information, visit us at www.longbeach.gov/health, "Like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

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