by Steven Felschundneff | steven@claremont-courier.com

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health advises everyone over the age of six months to get inoculated against the seasonal flu this year.

“Because it is highly likely that both flu and COVID-19 will be present in L.A. County this year, it’s vital that we do all that we can to protect ourselves to prevent a serious flu season coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic,” public health officials said in a news release.

Every year tens of thousands of people nationwide are hospitalized because of the flu and many die. This year it is very important that as few flu patients as possible are admitted to hospitals because of the potential for bed shortages due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

It is particularly important that people at risk of developing serious flu complications get immunized, including those over 65, pregnant women, children five and younger, and people with chronic medical conditions such as asthma diabetes and heart disease.

Flu shots are widely available including from your doctor, a local pharmacy or an  immunization clinic. To find a low-cost, or free immunization, call 2-1-1 or visit PreventFluLA.com.