Long Beach is offering free flu vaccines throughout October to help keep residents healthy during flu season.
Last year’s flu season was significantly worse than the one prior, with 3,541 confirmed flu cases and 21 flu-related deaths, according to the Health Department. In a public statement, the Health Department urged all residents above 6 months of age to receive the flu shot to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death.
The Department of Health and Human Services will host the following community vaccination clinics across the city this month:
Thursday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Long Beach Senior Center, Social Hall (1150 E. Fourth St.)
Monday, Oct. 20, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., McBride Park Community Center, Social Hall (1550 Martin Luther King Jr Ave.)
Thursday, Oct. 23, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Doris Topsy-Elvord Community Center at Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave.). *This will be the biggest vaccine clinic and residents are encouraged to come dressed in costume*
Tuesday, Oct. 28, 3:30 to 6 p.m., Admiral Kidd Park (2125 Santa Fe Ave.)
A special hour from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. will be set aside for adults ages 60 and older during the Oct. 23 event. While walk-ins are welcome, appointments are recommended and can be made through MyTurn.ca.gov or by calling 562-570-2974.
Residents can also help limit the spread of illness by staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes with tissue or their inner elbows, washing hands frequently and disinfecting shared surfaces.
Flu shots are also available through healthcare providers, pharmacies or the Health Department’s Immunization Clinic, which can be reached at 562-570-7912.
