LA County libraries offer free flu shots amid effort to avoid 'twindemic'
Drive-thru options will be available at some locations.
LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- Los Angeles County residents can get free flu shots at county libraries this month and next, officials announced Monday.
No appointment or insurance is required.
"During these unprecedented times, the well-being of our staff and customers is always on our minds,'' L.A. County Library Director Skye Patrick said. Working with Public Health to make flu immunization clinics available to our customers again this year allows us to provide them with a valuable resource to keep them healthy.''
More than 2,500 free flu immunizations were given at L.A. County Library locations in 2019, and this is the seventh year the county has offered the service. This year, masks will be required, social distancing will be enforced, and each flu clinic location will undergo additional disinfecting.
When is the best time to get your flu shot this year during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Drive-thru options will be available at some locations.
According to the CDC, up to 11% of Americans get sick with the flu each year, leading to thousands of deaths. Given that hospitals and health workers are already contending with COVID-19 patients, public health officials say it is especially important to get a flu shot and help reduce the strain on healthcare systems countywide.
"This year, flu and COVID-19 will be circulating at the same time in our communities throughout L.A. County, making it more important than ever that as many people as possible get their flu immunization,'' Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said. Having flu immunizations available at L.A. County Library locations at no cost and with no insurance requirement will make it easy for residents to protect themselves and their loved ones.''
Flu immunizations are recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older, including healthy adults. Pregnant women, children, adults 50 and older and immunocompromised individuals are especially susceptible to the flu virus.
A complete list of dates, times and locations can be found at lacountylibrary.org/flushot or by calling the county's information line at 211.
