Free Flu Shots for the Elderly, At-Risk

The Orange County Health Care Agency is offering free flu vaccines to county residents over age 60 or at high risk for the illness.

The vaccinations will be offered at four locations.

“Getting an annual flu shot is the best advice I can give senior citizens and people of all ages with chronic health problems,” County Health Officer Hugh Stallworth said.

He urged people older than 60, residents of long-term care facilities and anyone with a chronic condition that compromises the immune system to get a flu shot. Strains of the virus expected to make the rounds this winter include A/Sydney, A/Beijing and B/Harbin.

The Health Care Agency recommends taking acetaminophen for fever, drinking lots of liquids, eating light meals and getting plenty of rest.

Orange County sites where the vaccine will be offered:

* 1725 W. 17th St., Santa Ana, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesdays until 7 p.m.;

* 7342 Orangethorpe Ave., Buena Park, Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.;

* 2845 Mesa Verde Drive East, Costa Mesa, Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.;

* 27512 Calle Arroyo, San Juan Capistrano, Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

More than 100 community sponsors also will provide free flu vaccines to seniors and others at high risk. For information about the clinics, call the Orange County Health referral line: (800) 564-8448.