It’s that time of year again—time to ward off a flu outbreak that can, according to city officials, begin as early as October.

City officials have released the health department’s flu shot schedule for the year, urging residents to obtain shots to beef up herd immunity, as the “best way to keep people from getting ill.”

“We strongly recommend that everyone 6 months 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,” said Long Beach City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis in a statement. “By getting the vaccine at the start of flu season, it gives your body a chance to develop immunity to the flu and protect yourself as well as those around you.”

While the flu is a minor sickness and inconvenience to many people, the illness can cause serious complications for high-risk residents. This includes those over the age of 60, who are pregnant, caregivers of seniors or infants, those with chronic medical conditions (such as diabetes, or chronic heart, lung, kidney or liver complications) or individuals who are immune-compromised (such as those with HIV, people receiving dialysis, or those seeking cancer treatment).

The Long Beach Health Department will kick off a series of neighborhood flu clinics, starting on Thursday, October 20 from 2:00PM to 7:00PM at the health department headquarters (2525 Grand Avenue), no appointment necessary:

Thursday, October 20, 2:00PM – 7:00PM
Long Beach Health Department
2525 Grand Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90815

Wednesday, October 26, 9:00AM – 12:00PM
El Dorado Park Teen Center
2800 Studebaker Road
Long Beach, CA 90815

Monday, November 7, 9:00AM – 12:00PM
Long Beach Senior Center
1150 4th Street
Long Beach, CA 90802

Wednesday, November 9, 9:00AM – 12:00PM
Gold Star Manor
3021 North Gold Star Drive
(Enter on Spring Street at Santa Fe Avenue)
Long Beach, CA 90810

Wednesday, November 16, 9:00AM – 12:00PM
Scherer Park
(Enter via 46th Street & Pasadena Avenue)
4600 Long Beach Blvd

Friday, November 18, 9:00AM – 12:00PM
Bixby Park
130 Cherry Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802

Monday, November 21, 9:00AM – 12:00PM
Houghton Park
6301 Myrtle Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90805

Additionally, appointments can be made at the health department during regular business hours, for a small administrative fee, by calling (562) 570-4315. Parents are encouraged to bring their children’s immunization records, and adults with Medicare Part B or other insurance are encouraged to bring their Medicare/insurance cards.

The health department also recommends the following habits to reduce contracting the flu:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Stay home from work or school if you are sick
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
  • Wash hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer frequently
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Eat healthy food, drink plenty of water, take vitamins, get plenty of rest, do not smoke, and avoid alcoholic beverages

The health department is also working with local hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and other healthcare providers to ensure that their staff are vaccinated against the flu in order to protect patients.

For more information about the flu or upcoming clinics, call the Health Department’s Vaccination Information Line at (562) 570-SHOT (7468) or visit www.longbeach.gov/health.