Free Drive-Thru/Walk-Up Flu Vaccine Clinics are Now Open

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve and winter approaches, the importance of receiving a flu vaccine increases, particularly as many people return to schools and workplaces. Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan and L.A. Care Health Plan’s jointly operated Community Resource Centers will host 10 drive-thru/walk-up flu vaccine clinics across Los Angeles County – between now and Nov. 6 – at no cost for area residents aged 3 years and older.

“Flu season is here and in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and the surge in infections fueled by the highly transmissible Delta variant, it is crucial that everyone get the flu vaccination,” said James Cruz, chief medical officer at Blue Shield Promise.

Flu vaccines will be given on a first-come, first-served basis and are available while supplies last. While advance registration is preferred, it is not necessary.

“While we dodged a COVID-19 and flu ‘twindemic’ last season, it could very well happen this season,” said Richard Seidman, L.A. Care chief medical officer. “It would be unfortunate if it were to happen since there are effective life-saving vaccines for both the flu and COVID-19 – and they are more accessible than ever before.”

L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise have collaborated with USC Pharmacy to administer up to 400 flu vaccine doses per clinic. Given the large drive-thru format, the team has joined the educational community to convert venues into pop-up flu vaccine clinics.