The weather is cooling down a bit and that means flu season is almost here. Even though the typical time for the flu is around winter, the Long Beach City Health Department recommends people get their shots early at one of their free clinics.

“We strongly recommend that everyone six 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 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.”

Common flu symptoms include fever, chills, aches, pains and coughing. Flu shots are especially important for those age 60 or older, pregnant women, caretakers of infants or seniors and people with a chronic medical condition or those with a compromised immune system such as cancer or HIV/AIDS patients.

The health department recommends all persons to avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home from work or school if you are sick, wash hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, avoid touching your eyes nose and mouth, eat healthy food, drink plenty of water, take vitamins and avoid alcoholic beverage, get plenty of rest, and do not smoke.

Clinics are free and no appointment is needed. 

Times, dates and locations for clinics:

Thursday, October 19 (2:00PM – 7:00PM)
Main Health Department (Drive thru and walk up)
2525 Grand Ave

Tuesday, October 24 (9:00AM – noon)
Long Beach Senior Center
1150 4th Street

Thursday, October 26th (9:00AM – noon)
Scherer Park
4600 Long Beach Blvd

Wednesday, November 1 (9:00AM – noon)
McBride Park
1550 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave

Friday, November 3 (9:00AM- noon)
El Dorado Park Teen Center
2800 Studebaker Road

Monday, November 6 (9:00AM- noon)
Bixby Park
130 Cherry Avenue

Wednesday, November 8 (9:00AM – noon)
Houghton Park
6301 Myrtle Ave

For those who want to schedule a flu shot appointment at the Health Department call (562) 570-4315 during regular business hours. A small administrative fee, covered by most insurance providers, will apply at the time of the appointment. Patients should bring insurance cards and immunization records.