The Long Beach Department of Health will operate walk-in flu clinics beginning Sept. 29 for people age 50 and older and adults ages 18 - 49 who are at high-risk for serious complications of influenza.
Dr. Helene Calvet, city health officer, emphasized that these clinics will offer only the seasonal flu vaccine. The H1N1 vaccine is not yet available, and H1N1 clinics are likely to begin in late October.
Adults who need annual seasonal flu shots include: Persons who are 50 and older, or persons 18 - 49 with underlying chronic medical conditions, such as heart or lung conditions, and persons with HIV/AIDS, or receiving cancer treatment, on dialysis, etc., or pregnant women, caregivers of seniors or infants.
Medicare Part B patients are urged to bring their cards to the clinic to receive a free flu shot. A $2 donation will be requested from people who do not have Medicare.
Pregnant women are encouraged to discuss the flu shot with their doctor.
Flu Clinic Schedule
L. B. Health Dept., 2525 Grand Ave., Sept. 29, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Sept. 30, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Oct. 2, 9 - 11 a.m. and 1 - 3 p.m.
Oct. 9, 9 - 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Long Beach Senior Center, 1150 E. 4th St., Oct. 13, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.
American Gold Star Manor, Spring Street at Santa Fe Avenue, Oct. 14, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Cal Rec. Center/McBride Park, 1550 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., Oct. 20, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.
El Dorado Park Senior Center, 2800 Studebaker Road, Oct. 22, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Houghton Park, 6301 Myrtle Ave., Oct. 28, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Experts recommend annual seasonal flu vaccine for all children age 6 months to 18 years. They contend influenza is one of the leading causes of death in the nation among people in all age groups.
The Health Department will have seasonal flu vaccine available for infants over the age of 6 months and others at the main health center, 2525 Grand Ave. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 562.570.4221.
The Health Department's vaccination information Shot Line is updated periodically with flu vaccine information, and may be reached at (562) 570-SHOT (570-7468) or from our website at www.longbeach.gov/health.
Leave a comment