Annual Flu Vaccination We've all had it. It's the flu we catch from our family, friends and co-workers, usually during the fall. It is a respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses, spread when infected people sneeze or cough. Usually people get sick one to three days after they have been exposed. About 36,000 Americans die every year from the flu. Most people can prevent or reduce flu symptoms by getting an annual flu shot, washing their hands before eating or drinking, and staying away from others who are sick. We encourage everyone who wants a flu vaccine to get one. The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health is offering free Flu Shots to established priority groups who have no other usual source of care. For more info, visit: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/ Other sources for getting vaccinated can be found from the following links: Free or Low Cost Clinics: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/ip/IZclinics/clinics.htm Costco: http://www.findaflushot.com/costco/ Vons Pharmacy : http://shop.safeway.com/corporate/vons/flushots.asp Walgreens: http://www.walgreens.com/marketing/storelocator/find.jsp?foot=store_locator&check=true People who should not receive a flu shot without first consulting a doctor include: • People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs. • People who experienced a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past. • People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine. • Children less than 6 months of age (flu vaccine is not approved for this age group), and • People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover before receiving an influenza vaccination.) Different side effects can be associated with the flu shot. The viruses in the flu shot are inactive (killed), so you cannot get the flu from the flu shot. Some minor side effects could occur and usually last only 1 to 2 days. These include: • Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given. • Low-grade fever. • Aches or pain. | 
