Rich Schmitt/Staff Photographer
Current Clinics Are Planned for October 10 and 17
By LILY TINOCO | Reporter
With the arrival of flu season, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health encouraged residents to be proactive about protecting themselves by getting the flu immunization.
Public Health suggested that everyone 6 months and older be immunized.
“Getting immunized is important because it is safe and provides protection against the harmful effects of influenza; flu immunizations help keep people out of the hospital, which will conserve hospital resources that could become strained with both influenza and COVID-19 circulating at the same time,” according to a statement from the department. “It is highly likely that both flu and COVID-19 will be present in LA County this year.”
The statement reports that in years past, LA County health care providers have had to implement contingency plans to accommodate more patients—particularly at urgent care centers and emergency rooms—during severe flu seasons.
In hopes of easing that burden, Palisadians are teaming up to help provide free flu clinics throughout the community.
The Pacific Palisades Residents Association and the Edlen Real Estate Team are partnering with CVS on Saturday, October 10, and Saturday, October 17, to provide outdoor flu shot clinics at the top parking lot of the pharmacy from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“I heard from some Palisadians that they did not know where to get a flu shot where it felt safe,” PPRA President Sarah Conner explained. “So I thought about how we could create the ideal scenario … we contacted the pharmacy manager at CVS and asked if we could partner and create an outdoor flu clinic together.”
PPRA and the Edlen Team have been in charge of creating the flu clinic and spreading the word. CVS qualified professionals will be providing the shots on site. Available immunizations include the flu shot, high-dose flu shot and pneumonia vaccine.
The clinic is appointment-based to avoid large groups waiting or congregating, according to Conner.
“Getting flu shots can decrease the community spread for COVID by reducing hospitalizations,” Conner said to the Palisadian-Post. “Seniors in particular should get both flu and pneumonia shots.”
The Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club is also partnering with Los Angeles County to provide its annual community flu clinic from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, at the clubhouse, located at 901 Haverford Ave.
For the first time, the clinic will be set up outdoors in the large parking lot.
Flu shots distributed at the site will be available to all ages from 6 months and up, and the shots will be administered by county registered nurses. PPWC will provide volunteers to assist guests.
“This year it is more important than ever for everyone to receive a flu shot in an effort to remain as healthy as possible during the upcoming flu season,” said Nancy Niles, president of PPWC, to the Post. “We hope to see many of our Palisadian neighbors and friends participate in the flu clinic as we prepare for the flu season.”
The PPWC flu clinic will be first come, first served and no sign-up beforehand is necessary.
To sign up for the PPRA flu clinic, visit palisadesresidents.com/2020/10/02/pacific-palisades-outdoor-flu-clinic.
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