PRESS RELEASE

The City of Long Beach Department of Health & Human Services (Health Department) is offering access to free flu vaccinations in the coming season by hosting several community flu vaccination clinics throughout Long Beach. 

The first large-scale clinic of the year will take place on Thursday, October 3, 2019, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Health Department (2525 Grand Ave.). This drive-up clinic will provide attendees with 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 younger than 12 years old will be directed to the walk-up area.

This season’s flu vaccination clinics are free of charge and no appointment is needed:

• Thursday, Oct. 3, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Health Department (2525 Grand Ave.)
• Monday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m. to noon, Scherer Park (4600 Long Beach Blvd.)
• Thursday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m. to noon, Long Beach Senior Center (1150 E. 4th St.)
• Friday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., El Dorado Teen Center (2800 N. Studebaker Rd.)
• Monday, Oct. 14, 9 a.m. to noon, Bixby Park (130 Cherry Ave.)
• Tuesday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., McBride Park (1550 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave.)
• Thursday, Oct. 17, noon to 4 p.m., Ramona Park (3301 E. 65th St.)
• Monday, Oct. 21, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., California State University, Long Beach, next to campus bookstore (1250 Bellflower Blvd.)
• Wednesday, Oct. 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., MacArthur Park (1321 Anaheim St.)
• Tuesday, Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., California State University, Long Beach, next to campus bookstore (1250 Bellflower Blvd.)
• Wednesday, Nov. 6, 9 a.m. to noon, Admiral Kidd Park (2125 Santa Fe Ave.)
• Thursday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., California State University, Long Beach, next to campus bookstore (1250 Bellflower Blvd.)
• Friday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m. to noon, Veterans Park (101 E. 28th St.)
• Monday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m. to noon, Drake Park (951 Maine Ave.)
• Thursday, Dec. 5, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Health Department (2525 Grand Ave.)

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 and people who are on dialysis or receiving cancer treatment.

A complete listing of the upcoming free vaccination clinics is available at www.longbeach.gov/flu. 

In addition to the free neighborhood flu vaccination 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 will apply at the time of the appointment.

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 2019-2020 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.

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