For Immediate Release:

October 22, 2015

LOS ANGELES – As the 2015-2016 influenza (flu) season begins, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) is reminding everyone to get an annual flu vaccine. Residents can get vaccinated through their regular healthcare provider, community clinics, pharmacies, and retail stores. Flu vaccinations are also available at no-cost at Public Health Centers and will be available at over 100 community vaccination events throughout Los Angeles County.

“By getting vaccinated now, you can protect yourself and help stop the spread of flu this season,” said Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, MD, MPH, Interim Health Officer for Los Angeles County. “Flu viruses are constantly changing and different viruses can spread each season. It’s important to get this season’s flu vaccine to help protect you from the types of viruses that are expected to be most common this season.”

Influenza Vaccination Recommendations The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older be vaccinated against the flu every year. Flu vaccines are important for everyone, especially for people who are at greater risk for complications and those who live with or care for these individuals. These groups are:

• Pregnant women
• Children who are younger than 5 years of age
• Adults who are 65 years of age and older
• People of any age whose immune system is weakened and those with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or conditions affecting the nervous system
• People who are overweight or obese
• People who work or live in nursing homes or long- term care facilities
• Health care personnel and child care workers

Influenza Vaccination Resources Residents are encouraged to contact their regular healthcare provider to schedule an appointment for a flu vaccination. Most insurance plans cover vaccines at no cost to the patient. Many pharmacies also offer flu vaccines and some can bill your insurance company.

Residents without health insurance or a regular source of health care can be vaccinated at a Public Health Center or community vaccination event at no charge. No appointments are needed.

Visit http://bit.ly/FluVaccineInfo for:

• A list and interactive map of Public Health’s community vaccination events
• An interactive map of pharmacies offering flu vaccinations
• A list of community clinics offering vaccines at a reduced or no-cost
• Flu educational materials

Residents may also call the LA County Information Line at 2-1-1 for referrals to flu vaccination sites.

Impact of Influenza Flu symptoms usually start suddenly and may include fever, coughing, sore throat, headaches, body aches, chills, runny or stuffy nose, extreme tiredness, and weakness. Most people get better without treatment, but some develop serious complications such as pneumonia, seizures, and worsening of chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease.

Each season, the flu leads to thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States. In fact, there have been as many as 49,000 deaths and about 200,000 hospitalizations from flu in the U.S. in a single year. During the 2014-2015 flu season, there were 55 deaths attributed to influenza in Los Angeles County. Many were among older adults, but people of all ages died from flu-related complications.

Influenza Vaccination Requirements for Health Care and Child Care Personnel “Health care personnel and staff at child care centers often care for people who are at increased risk for flu- related complications, which is why it is so important that they get vaccinated,” said Dr. Gunzenhauser. “By getting their annual vaccine, they can stay healthy and avoid spreading the flu to their patients and clients.”

The following policies are aimed at encouraging vaccination of health care and child care personnel:

• Los Angeles County Health Officer Order for Flu Vaccination: This Order requires health care personnel within Los Angeles County working in licensed acute care hospitals, intermediate care facilities, and skilled nursing facilities to receive an influenza vaccine or wear a protective mask when in contact with patients or when working in patient care areas during the influenza season.

• Statewide Child Care Vaccination Requirement: This policy, to go into effect September 2016, will require employees and volunteers at day care centers or family day care homes to be immunized against influenza, pertussis and measles, unless they have a valid exemption on file.

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises nearly 4,000 employees and has an annual budget exceeding $900 million. To learn more about Public Health and the work we do please visit www.publichea lth.lacounty.gov, visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube. com/lapublichealth, find us on Facebook at www.faceboo k.com/lapublichealth, or follow us on Twitter: @LAPublicHealth.

---

#####