Flu Prevention Starts Today: Stay Healthy. Get Vaccinated.

Flu Prevention Starts Today: Stay Healthy. Get Vaccinated.

Mayra SuarezOffice: 626-405-2652Mobile: 310-710-8479

  will open region-wide this Saturday, September 27 and members are being reminded that flu shots are available to them at no cost. Getting a is the most important step that everyone should take to stay well and protect themselves and their loved ones against .

“The flu is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can cause serious complications, hospitalizations and, in some cases, even lead to death,” said Margaret Khoury, MD, regional lead, Kaiser Permanente Southern California Flu Vaccination Program. “It’s important that everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available in their area.”

During the 2013-2014 season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) received reports of severe flu illness among young and middle-aged adults, and many were infected with the H1N1 virus. More than 60 percent of all hospitalizations from influenza were reported in people age 18-64.

“Last year’s flu season serves as an excellent example of just how unpredictable each season can be,” added Khoury. “While children, pregnant women and the elderly are more at risk for complications from the flu, it can be just as serious for healthy young adults.”

Since it can take up to two weeks for your body to develop immunity, it is important to vaccinate as early in the season as possible. Early vaccination will provide protection throughout the influenza season and into the spring.

This year's annual flu shot will once again offer protection against the , in addition to protection against other influenza strains that are expected to be in circulation this season.

In addition to the opening of all walk-in clinics region-wide, several Kaiser Permanente Southern California facilities will hold drive-through flu shot clinics. These include:

For a complete list of clinic locations and times, and for more information about preventing or treating the flu, visit .

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high quality, affordable health care services to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve more than 3.7 million members in Southern California. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: .