Flu Shots Available at Senior Center

Local seniors will get a second chance Thursday to get a flu shot at the Simi Valley Senior Center.

Simi Valley Hospital received 600 doses of the vaccine, which has been in short supply this season, and plans to give free shots at the senior center beginning at 9 a.m., said hospital spokeswoman Alicia Gonzalez.

“We were expecting about 1,000 shots, but we only got 600,” Gonzalez said. “But that’s still good.”

Last week, health officials throughout Ventura County ran out of the serum, which has been scarce nationwide because of delays making it.

Thursday’s free flu shots will be given to Simi Valley residents 65 years or older on a first-come, first-served basis at the center, 3900 Avenida Simi.

In the past, the hospital gave the annual shots in a partnership with Family Health Care Medical Group. But when that health provider recently went bankrupt, hospital officials decided to conduct this year’s flu shot program with the senior center, Gonzalez said.

County health officials have made it a priority to reserve the flu shots for those most at risk of catching the virus, such as the elderly, people suffering from chronic illnesses and pregnant women.

Anyone allergic to eggs or who is currently ill is not eligible for a flu shot. For more information, call 955-8000.