Free flu shots will be given at the Palisades Woman’s Club.
Almost 85 percent of Pacific Palisades residents (age 12+) have been vaccinated for Covid 19, but now it’s time to get a flu shot.
Flu activity peaks between December and February but can start as early as October and run through May. Last year the season was mild, and experts think that because of Covid 19, as more people stayed home, wore masks and there were school closures.
The CDC estimates that in 2019, the United States had 45 million influenza illnesses, leading to 21 million medical visits, 810,000 hospitalizations, and 61,000 deaths.
A 2017 study published in Pediatrics showed that a flu vaccination can significantly reduce a child’s risk of dying from the flu and that half of flu-related deaths in children from 2010 to 2016 occurred in otherwise healthy children – only 22% of these children were fully vaccinated. Nearly 2/3 of children died within seven days of developing symptoms.
Health experts are concerned that the overlap in symptoms between the flu and Covid-19 — both can cause fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, and fatigue, among other issues — may lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Now the good news. The annual free Flu Clinic will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 16, at the Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford Ave.
The Club will partner with the LA County Public Health Dept. Residents are encouraged to “drive thru” or walk up to receive a free flu vaccine. No appointment is necessary.
Thanks to the PPWC for once again sponsoring this important service for the community.