The City of Long Beach, recognizing the onset of flu season, is dispensing free flu shots through the month of October at various community-founded and city-operated vaccination locations, according the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department). The initiative, plotted to coincide with the dual threat of influenza and COVID-19, is a clear acknowledgement of the need for health vigilance.
In providing free flu vaccinations, the city aims to prevent influenza exposure and in consequence, lighten the load on healthcare facilities. The most substantial flu clinic event of the year will be held on October 19 at the Main Health structure. This facility will accommodate both walk-up and mobile vaccinations.
Long Beach Mayor, Rex Richardson, stressed the necessity of individuals protecting themselves against preventable sickness. He suggested not only will immunizations secure the health of individuals, but also shield vulnerable groups like children and the elderly from the threat of being hospitalized due to influenza.
As part of the city's preparedness program, broad-scale flu vaccination clinics have been organized annually, essentially playing out as a rehearsal for mass vaccination situations. These practice sessions were pivotal in shaping the city's response to the Covid-19 crisis. Key community clinics for the current month include, McBride Park, El Dorado Park, and Admiral Kidd Park.
On top of these organized city clinics, individuals have several options to get vaccinated. They can make an appointment with their primary health-care provider, access the online scheduler at MyTurn.ca.gov, or consult with their regular pharmacist. The Health Department has set up a call center to schedule flu jabs at 562-570-7912 during routine working hours.
Health Officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, insistently reminded the public of the full impact of the flu; its capacity to make you extremely sick, lead to missing work, or for some, prove fatal. Davis highlighted the significance of staying current with one's vaccinations, given the ongoing Covid-19 health crisis.
The Health Department endorses annual flu inoculation for individuals older than six months. This applies particularly to those with health conditions that may render them more susceptible to the flu. Inoculation helps develop immunity to the existing strains of flu and decreases the risk of severe illness from the influenza virus or other respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
High-risk groups urged to get immunized include:
- Infants older than six months
- Individuals aged 60 years and above
- Pregnant women
- Caregivers of elderly or infants
- Individuals with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, chronic heart, lung, kidney, or liver diseases
- The immune-compromised, including those with a HIV/AIDS diagnosis, those on dialysis, and those currently under cancer treatment
The Department of Health also advises the following preventative measures:
- Avoid close contact with sick individuals
- If sick, refrain from going to work or school
- Use a tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of it properly
- Regularly sanitize hands with soap and clean water or hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching one's face
- Disinfect surfaces and objects potentially contaminated with flu viruses, routinely
- If prescribed, take antiviral drugs when flu is confirmed
More information about the 2023 flu season can be located at the Long Beach Health Department's website or by dialing the Public Health Information Line at 562-570-7907.
