Health Department Announces Annual Flu Vaccine Clinic Schedule

The City of Long Beach
Department of Health and Human Services, with assistance from the
American Red Cross, will operate walk-in flu clinics beginning October
18, 2010 for people age 60 and older and adults ages 18 - 59 who are at
high-risk for serious complications of influenza.

"Getting an
annual flu shot is important for high risk individuals to help prevent
influenza and possible complications from flu," said Dr. Mauro Torno,
Interim City Health Officer.

Adults under 60 who should get annual seasonal flu shots include:

 
  Anyone with underlying chronic medical conditions, such as heart or
lung conditions, or who are immune suppressed, e.g. persons with
HIV/AIDS, receiving cancer treatment, on dialysis, etc., or

    Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season, or

    Caregivers of seniors or infants

Adults
with Medicare Part B are urged to bring their Medicare card to the
clinic to receive a free flu shot. A $2 donation to offset
administrative costs will be requested from people who do not have
Medicare. No appointment is needed at the following sites:


    Long Beach Senior Center, 1150 E. 4th St., Oct. 18, 9 am - 12 pm

    El Dorado Park Senior Center, 2800 Studebaker Road, Oct. 25, 9 am - 12 pm

    Houghton Park Community Center, 6301 Myrtle Ave., Oct. 26, 9 am - 12 pm

    Cal Rec. Center/McBride Park, 1550 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., Oct. 28, 9 am - 12 pm

    American Gold Star Manor, Spring at Santa Fe, Nov. 3, 9 am - 12 pm

    Long Beach Health Department, 2525 Grand Ave., Nov. 7, 1 pm - 4 pm

    Long Beach Japanese Cultural Center, 1766 Seabright Ave., Nov. 8, 3:30 -5:30 pm

    Bixby Park, 130 Cherry Ave., Nov. 9, 10:30 am - 12 pm

    Long Beach Health Department, 2525 Grand Ave., Nov. 14, 1- 4 pm

    Long Beach Health Department, 2525 Grand Ave., Nov. 15, 9 am- 12 pm

    Long Beach Health Department, 2525 Grand Ave., Nov. 16, 9 am- 12 pm

    Long Beach Health Department, 2525 Grand Ave., Nov. 17, 1- 4 pm


The
American Academy of Pediatrics and the Federal Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend annual seasonal flu vaccine for
all children age 6 months to 18 years. According to CDC, influenza is
one of the leading causes of death in the nation among people in all age
groups. There is no shortage of flu vaccine this year at commercial
outlets and private provider offices are well stocked. The Health
Department will also have seasonal flu vaccine available for infants
over the age of 6 months and others who cannot attend the clinics listed
above at its regularly scheduled immunization clinic located at 2525
Grand Ave. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 562.570.4315.

Annual
flu shots are always formulated early in the year with the three
strains that scientists predict will be likely to cause flu disease in
the fall and winter. Flu disease is most common in the months of January
and February. The three strains of flu in the 2011-12 vaccine are
A/California (H1N1), A/Perth and B/Brisbane. Although these are the same
three strains that were in last year's annual flu vaccine another dose
this year is recommended since flu vaccine does not provide long lasting
protection. This is one reason that annual immunizations are advised.

The
Health Department also recommends that all persons practice healthy
habits to prevent them from getting or transmitting the flu:

    Avoid close contact with people who are sick,

    Stay home from work or school if you are sick,

    Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze,

    Wash hands with soap and water or a hand sanitizer frequently,

    Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and

 
  Eat healthy food, drink plenty of water, take vitamins, exercise, get
plenty of rest, do not smoke, and avoid alcoholic beverages.

The
Health Department's vaccination information Shot Line is updated
periodically with flu vaccine information, and may be reached at 562.570-SHOT (570.468). For more information about flu disease and prevention, please visit www.longbeach.gov/health.   
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