Free Flu Shots Offered In Coachella Valley

Starting Monday, all 10 Riverside County Family Care Centers will be offering no-cost flu shots for esidents, with no appointments required.

“The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is by getting this year’s flu shot,” said county Health Officer Dr. Eric Frykman, who encouraged everyone to get vaccinated.

The shots combine the vaccines for seasonal influenza and the H1N1 virus, so there’s no need for two separate inoculations, as happened last year, according to county health officials.

“There is plenty of flu vaccine this year, and flu shots are already being given at retail outlets, such as drug and grocery stores,” said Tonya Geiger, disease control specialist with the county’s Department of Public Health.

She said those most vulnerable to flu include pregnant women, children under 5 years old, people over 50 and those who have chronic health disorders or live in nursing facilities. Health care workers and caregivers also have a heightened risk.

The Family Care Center in Palm Springs gave vaccines to a large crowd during the first day of the flu clinic. Assistant Manager of Nurses Judy Johnson talked about the importance of getting a flu shot. “We, as a community, want to vaccinate everybody,” she said. “So, therefore, we don’t have such a high rate of influenza, flu. Now, we do not have any outbreaks at this moment, and we want to keep it that way.”

The county’s Family Care Centers are open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays at the following locations: — 3065 W. Ramsey St., Banning;

— 505 S. Buena Vista Ave., Suite 101, Corona;

— 880 N. State St., Hemet;

— 47-923 Oasis St., Indio;

— 9415 Mission Blvd., Jurupa;

— 2499 E. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Elsinore;

— 1515 N. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs;

— 308 E. San Jacinto Ave., Perris;

— 9415 Mission Blvd., Riverside; and

— 5256 Mission Blvd., Rubidoux.

More information is available by calling the county’s 211 line or (888) 246-1215.