City of Long Beach to Offer Free Flu Vaccinations at Community Clinics

• Extra Large
• Large
• Normal
• Small

PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) will offer free flu vaccinations at community clinics throughout the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season, while supplies last. Residents are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated ahead of flu season, which typically runs from mid-fall through mid-spring.

The largest flu vaccination clinic of the season will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Doris Topsy-Elvord Community Center at Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave.). This year's theme, Boo 2 Flu, encourages attendees of all ages to embrace the Halloween spirit by arriving in costume to receive their flu vaccine.

A dedicated hour from 2 to 3 p.m. will be reserved for older adults aged 60 years and over. Accommodations for individuals with access and functional needs can be provided upon request. This clinic will not require appointments, but they are highly encouraged. Appointments can be scheduled by visiting the MyTurn website or calling 562.570.2974 for assistance.

In addition to providing free flu vaccinations to the public, these large-scale vaccination clinics serve as annual training exercises to support the City's mass vaccination preparedness. These clinics helps refine logistics, strengthen interdepartmental coordination and enhance emergency response strategies. Ongoing practice is a vital component of public health preparedness strategies.

In addition to the Boo 2 Flu event, flu vaccines will be available at community clinics throughout the season. Clinic schedule is as follows:

• Friday, Oct. 3, 3:30 to 6 p.m., Ramona Park Community Center (3301 E. 65th St.)
• Monday, Oct. 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Doris Topsy-Elvord Community Center at Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave.)
• Wednesday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Silverado Park Community Center, Main Hall (1545 W. 31st St.)
• Friday, Oct. 10, 3:30 to 6 p.m., MacArthur Park Theater Center (1321 E. Anaheim St.)
• Tuesday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., El Dorado Park West Teen Center (2800 N Studebaker Rd.)
• Wednesday, Oct. 15, 3:30 to 6 p.m., Bixby Park (130 Cherry Ave.)
• Thursday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Long Beach Senior Center, Social Hall (1150 E. 4th St.)
• Monday, Oct. 20, 2 to 6 p.m., McBride Park Community Center, Social Hall (1550 Martin Luther King Jr Ave.)
• Tuesday, Oct. 28, 3:30 to 6 p.m., Admiral Kidd Park (2125 Santa Fe Ave.)

To check for any updates to the clinic schedule, please visit longbeach.gov/flu. Residents can also receive the flu vaccine through their healthcare provider, pharmacy or by visiting MyTurn.ca.gov. To schedule a vaccination at the Health Department, call 562.570.7912 during business hours. A small administrative fee may apply.

During the 2024-2025 flu season, there were 3,541 laboratory-confirmed flu cases and 21 flu-related deaths reported in Long Beach, marking significant increase from the previous year. The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect yourself, your loved ones and the community.

The Health Department strongly recommends annual flu vaccinations for everyone aged six months and older, especially those with health conditions that increase their risk of serious complications. Even if the vaccine doesn't prevent all flu infections, it can significantly reduce the severity of illness and the likelihood of hospitalization or death. Widespread vaccination also helps reduce strain on the healthcare system.

Flu symptoms generally include fever, chills, body aches and coughing. For some people, the flu can be life-threatening. High-risk populations include:

• Infants six months of age and older
• Older adults aged 65 and over
• People who are pregnant
• Caregivers of infants or older adults
• Individuals with chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, asthma or other chronic lung diseases, heart or kidney disease)
• People with compromised immune systems (e.g., cancer patients, those with HIV/AIDS)

The Health Department encourages everyone to practice the following healthy habits to help reduce the risk of catching or spreading the flu:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home from work, school or public activities if you are feeling unwell.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, which can transfer germs.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, especially if someone is ill.
• If diagnosed with the flu, take antiviral medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider to help reduce the severity and duration of illness.

For more information about the 2025 flu season, the community is encouraged to visit: longbeach.gov/flu or call the Immunization Clinic at 562.570.7912. People are also encouraged to follow @LongBeachCity and @LBHealthDept on Instagram, Facebook and X.

Media inquiries may be directed to the Health Department's Public Affairs Office at [email protected].

For more news, pictures, videos and announcements of what's happening in Long Beach, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.