Flu vaccination is recommended into the spring for some groups!
Flu activity is slowing down but we are still seeing some cases of the flu in Los Angeles County. The CDC recommends flu vaccination as long as influenza viruses are circulating, but since it takes two weeks for the flu vaccine to be protective and flu activity is winding down, most people would not benefit from getting a flu vaccine at this time. However, ongoing vaccination is still recommended:
- In institutional outbreak settings
- For children who need to complete the second dose and
- For people preparing to travel to the Southern Hemisphere, which is beginning to enter its traditional flu season.
Where To Get Vaccinated
If you have health insurance, your best source for vaccination is your regular clinic or provider office. Flu vaccinations are also available in community settings such as pharmacies and community clinics for individuals who do not have insurance coverage or access through a regular provider.
List of Providers Offering Vaccines at No-cost or a Reduced Cost
- These clinics provide no-cost or low-cost immunizations. Please call the clinic in advance to confirm whether flu vaccinations are offered, who is eligible, the cost of vaccination, and clinic hours.
- Bring your/your child’s yellow immunization card or other immunization record, if you have one.
- A child must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
- If you have health insurance or a regular health care provider, please contact them for immunization services.
Interested in hosting a
flu vaccination outreach event?
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health partners with community-based organizations to offer flu vaccinations to individuals who do not have access to vaccinations through a regular healthcare provider at community sites across Los Angeles County. If your organization is interested in hosting a flu vaccination clinic:
- Email ipinfo@ph.lacounty.gov
to request that the Department of Public Health provide vaccinations at your site. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Email ipinfo@ph.lacounty.gov
for a listing of commercial and non-profit mobile vaccinators that may be able to provide vaccinations at your site. Charges may apply.
Continue to refer clients and community members to one of the resources listed above, under “Influenza Vaccination Events and Resources.”
Who should get flu vaccinations?
Flu vaccine is recommended to all persons 6 months of age and over, including healthy adults. It is especially important to get a flu vaccine if you are:
- 6 months through 18 years of age
- 50 years and older
- Pregnant or just had a baby
- Morbidly obese
- Living in a nursing home or long-term care home
- Living with a weakened immune system or chronic medical condition (diabetes, heart or lung disease)
- Living with or caring for someone who is more likely to have flu complications
- A healthcare provider.
What is the cost to get flu vaccinations?
- The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health offers flu vaccines at no charge to people who don't have health insurance or whose healthcare provider does not offer flu vaccines.
- If you have health insurance, please contact your regular health care provider or insurance provider to confirm the cost for vaccination.
- The cost of flu vaccinations at pharmacies and community clinics varies. Please call ahead to confirm the cost for vaccination.
Where can I learn more
about flu?
1.
Los
Angeles County Department of Public Health
Immunization Program
2.
Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention
3.
California
Department of Public Health Immunization Branch
Flu surveillance and related disease updates for LA County
