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Expanded Free Vaccination Programs by L.A. Care and Blue Shield of California

In a recent development aimed at bolstering public health, L.A. Care Health Plan and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan have announced an expansion of their vaccination initiatives. This year, their community events, scheduled throughout September and October, will include essential school-required vaccinations alongside flu shots at community resource centers.

A Comprehensive Approach to Immunization

These vaccination events aim to facilitate families’ ability to meet essential school health requirements while also helping to curb the spread of contagious diseases. The event provides a broad range of vaccinations:

• - Influenza (Flu)
• - DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
• - Poliovirus (Polio)
• - Hepatitis B
• - MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• - Varicella (Chickenpox)

Vaccination Availability: The availability of these vaccines is contingent upon current stock, guidelines from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and insurance eligibility.

Martha Santana-Chin, CEO of L.A. Care Health Plan, stated, "Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest yet most impactful actions we can take to protect our families and communities. By providing convenient, walk-in access to flu vaccines and school-required immunization, we ensure greater protection as flu season approaches."

Incentives for Participation

To encourage participation, attendees receiving any of the vaccinations at these walk-in events will be gifted a $20 grocery gift card while supplies last. This initiative is designed to not only promote health but also support local families, especially as they prepare for the school year.

Jennifer Schirmer, Blue Shield Promise’s Vice President of Growth and Community Engagement, emphasized, "We are proud to make it easier for students to get essential vaccinations by hosting these events in community resource centers. This is another example of Blue Shield Promise's commitment to bringing healthcare directly to the communities where families live, work, and go to school."

The Heightened Need for Vaccination

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that the 2024-2025 flu season in the United States was classified as having high severity across all age groups. It resulted in around 610,000 hospitalizations and approximately 26,000 deaths nationwide. Of particular concern were at least 216 pediatric deaths, surpassing the previous record of 207 during the 2023-2024 regular season.

Experts attribute these rising numbers, especially among children, to declining vaccination rates in recent years. Higher vaccination rates are critical to preventing severe outcomes associated with common illnesses, particularly during school seasons when children mingling increases the potential for outbreaks.

Upcoming Vaccination Event Schedule

Families looking to obtain vaccinations can attend the following events at local community resource centers:

• - Saturday, September 27 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

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

• - Saturday, October 11 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

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

• - Thursday, October 16 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

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

• - Saturday, October 18 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

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

• - Friday, October 24 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

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

• - Saturday, October 25 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

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

Conclusion

L.A. Care and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan are doing a commendable job of increasing vaccination accessibility in Los Angeles County. Their efforts not only provide essential immunizations but also cultivate a sense of community care and preventive health, which are crucial as schools work to maintain safe, healthy environments for all students. For further details, visit CommunityResourceCenterLA.org.