Red Cross to provide free flu shots for seniors

The American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles will administer free flu vaccines to senior citizens at selected sites from Oct. 20 through Dec. 3.

This service is provided in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. Red Cross nurses will administer a vaccine designed to protect against what are considered the three most expected strains.

To qualify for the free vaccines, one must be age 60 or older or have a chronic illness such as heart, kidney or respiratory disease, or be otherwise immuno-compromised. No one under 18 years old may receive a flu vaccination at these clinics.

The vaccine takes about two weeks to become active and begin providing protection against the flu. Since the vaccine lasts about six months, it’s important to receive a flu immunization every year.

Clinics are one-day events and the nearest site may be found by calling (800) 427-8700 or visiting www.redcross-la.org.

The American Red Cross Van Nuys Service Center, at 14717 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, will offer vaccines on the following dates: Tuesdays, Oct. 21 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and Oct. 28 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.); Sat., Nov. 1 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Wed., Nov. 5 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Tues., Nov. 11 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Tues., Nov. 18 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and Tues., Dec. 2 (10 a.m. to noon).

Seniors Friends at West Hills Hospital, 7300 Medical Center Drive, West Hills will host the free flu vaccine clinic from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thurs., Nov. 20.