Flu Shots Available Today at Walk-In Clinics and Physician's Offices
As California prepares for flu season, which typically arrives in California from the East Coast in early October, Cedars-Sinai physicians are urging their patients to visit one of their several walk-in flu clinics, or to make an appointment directly with their physician's office.
"Cedars-Sinai strives to make getting the flu shot convenient and accessible to our patients because the vaccine is critically important to your health," said Caroline Goldzweig, MD, MSHS, chief medical officer of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Network. "And while there are a number of reasons to get a flu shot, the main reason is because the flu can be deadly."
Cedars-Sinai flu vaccine clinics are located in Marina del Rey, Tarzana and Beverly Hills. Cedars-Sinai patients also can call their physician's office to schedule a flu-shot appointment with a registered nurse. Click here for a complete list of locations, times and dates of the walk-in clinics.
Goldzweig cautions that it takes roughly two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection.
"That's why it's better to get vaccinated early in the fall, before the flu season really gets underway," she said.
The flu shot is recommended for anyone 6 months or older and is especially critical for people with a compromised immune system. For patients 65 or older, Cedars-Sinai also offers the recommended high-dose flu vaccine, which boosts the body's immune system to better fight influenza.
"Thousands of people die from the flu each year because it sets them up for complications like pneumonia," said Goldzweig.
And even for those who aren’t considered at high-risk for contracting the flu, Goldzweig says they can still be hit hard by the virus and potentially be kept from attending work or everyday activities for weeks.
"Not only is it important to protect yourself by getting the vaccine, but it's also important to protect others by stopping the spread of it, including passing it along to young children and the elderly."
Cedars-Sinai’s COACH for Kids Mobile Medical Clinics offer free flu shots for eligible children. For more information regarding the COACH schedule and eligibility please call 1-888-9-COACH 9. In addition, the Cedars-Sinai Community Health and Education team offers free flu vaccines for adults at many health fairs in several communities including fairs in West Hollywood, Koreatown, South LA, Marina Del Rey, Mid-City and the San Fernando Valley. Click here for a schedule of the COACH Mobile Medical Units and here for more information on community health fairs and programs.
Read more on the Cedars-Sinai blog: Tips to Survive Peak Flu Season From a Cedars-Sinai Expert