City of Long Beach
Public Information Office
411 W. Ocean Blvd,
Long Beach, CA 90802
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, October 20
9:00 am-12:00 pm
American Gold Star Manor
3021 N. Gold Star Drive (enter on Spring)
Thursday, October 23
2:00-7:00 pm
Long Beach Health Department Main Facility
2525 Grand Avenue
Monday, October 27
9:00 am-12:00 pm
McBride Park/Cal Rec Center
1550 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue
Tuesday, October 28
9:00 am-12:00 pm
Houghton Park Community Center
6301 Myrtle Avenue
Thursday, October 30
9:00 am-12:00 pm
Bixby Park
130 Cherry Avenue
Thursday, November 6
9:00 am-12:00 pm
Scherer Park
4600 Long Beach Blvd.
The Health Department also recommends that all persons practice
healthy habits to prevent getting or transmitting the flu:
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.