#USA #Los Angeles #L.A. Care #Vaccination Events #Blue Shield Promise

Free Vaccination Events by L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise

The L.A. Care Health Plan, in conjunction with the Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, has announced an impressive expansion of its free vaccination programs. These initiatives will take place over September and October at various Community Resource Centers in Los Angeles County. The goal is to ensure families have easy access to essential vaccines for their children, aligning with school requirements and bolstering public health amid the ongoing flu season.

What Vaccines are Offered?

This year’s events will feature a variety of vaccines, including:

• - Flu Vaccine
• - DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
• - Polio
• - Hepatitis B
• - MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• - Varicella (subject to availability and eligibility as per California Department of Public Health guidelines)

Families that attend these vaccination events can also enjoy a bonus: a $20 grocery gift card for each individual vaccinated, available while supplies last. This incentive not only promotes health but also supports families in managing their grocery expenses during these challenging times.

Importance of Vaccination

Martha Santana-Chin, CEO of L.A. Care, highlighted that vaccinations are crucial for the well-being of families and communities. She stated, “Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest yet most impactful actions we can take to protect our families and communities.” With declining vaccination rates contributing to a high severity flu season last year, these initiatives are designed to mitigate health risks and prevent the spread of contagious diseases.

Recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that the 2024-2025 flu season recorded alarming numbers, with approximately 610,000 hospitalizations and 26,000 deaths, including at least 216 pediatric fatalities. Such figures underscore the necessity for widespread vaccinations, particularly for children, who are often the most vulnerable.

Event Schedule

Here are the scheduled vaccination events:

• - Saturday, Sept. 27 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Community Resource Center in South L.A.
5710 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90043

• - Saturday, Oct. 11 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Community Resource Center in Wilmington
911 N. Avalon Blvd., Wilmington, CA 90744

• - Thursday, Oct. 16 | 1 – 5 p.m.

Community Resource Center in Palmdale
2072 E. Palmdale Blvd., Palmdale, CA 93550

• - Saturday, Oct. 18 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Community Resource Center in East L.A.
4801 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90022

• - Friday, Oct. 24 | 1 - 5 p.m.

Community Resource Center in Panorama City
7868 Van Nuys Blvd., Panorama City, CA 91402

• - Saturday, Oct. 25 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Community Resource Center in Long Beach
5599 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach, CA 90805

As the flu season approaches, access to vaccinations becomes increasingly important. Families are encouraged to take advantage of these community events to ensure their children meet school requirements while safeguarding their health and that of their community. For further information about the Community Resource Centers and their programs, visit CommunityResourceCenterLA.org.

About the Organizations

L.A. Care Health Plan stands as the largest health plan in Los Angeles County, serving one in every four residents in the area. It operates four different health coverage plans, all focused on delivering quality healthcare to low-income communities.

Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, a managed care organization, prioritizes a member-first approach and collaborates closely with community organizations. By ensuring broad access to healthcare services, it aims to cater effectively to a diverse membership spanning Los Angeles and San Diego counties.

For ongoing updates and news, follow the organizations on their respective social media platforms.