Free Flu Shots to Be Offered for Seniors

To prevent influenza or reduce its impact on seniors, free flu shots will be offered at several Valley community centers and hospitals beginning today. People with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable, officials said.

The immunizations are recommended annually since immunity wanes and the virus changes year to year. However, Dr. James Reilly, medical director of Care-America Health Plans, warned that people who have serious allergic reactions to eggs should not be vaccinated because the vaccine is made in eggs. He added that anyone who is unsure whether the vaccine is for them should consult a physician.

Vaccinations will be available on a walk-in basis, unless otherwise indicated, at these locations:

* Lakeside Medical Group, 607 Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank, from 9 a.m. to noon today. Information: (800) 963-8008.

* Lakeside Medical Group, 12660 Riverside Drive, Suite 320, North Hollywood, from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday. Information: (800) 963-8008.

* Tarzana Place Retirement Center, 5711 Reseda Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday. Information: (818) 996-2022.

* Greater Valley Medical Group, 11600 Indian Hills Road, Mission Hills, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 14. Information: (800) 963-8008.

* Glendale Memorial Hospital, 1420 S. Central Ave., from 8 to 10 a.m. Oct. 18. Drive-through only. Information: (800) 963-8008.

* Glendale Adventist Medical Center, 1509 Wilson Terrace, Glendale, from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 18, 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 20, 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 25, and 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 27. Information: (818) 409-8100.

* Granada Hills Community Hospital, 10445 Balboa Blvd., from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 20. Information: (818) 831-6831.

* Verdugo Hills Hospital, 1812 Verdugo Blvd., Glendale, from 7 to 10 a.m. Oct. 21. Information: (818) 952-4774.

* Valley Presbyterian Hospital, 15107 Vanowen St., Van Nuys, from 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 29. Appointment required. Information and appointments: (818) 902-3911.