Flu-away: Free vaccinations for seniors

Elise Gee

COSTA MESA -- The Costa Mesa Senior Center hopes to draw hundreds

of seniors to its annual Health Expo Tuesday to give them a shot at

bypassing the flu this season.

Annual flu and one-time pneumonia vaccinations are recommended for those

60 years and older, according to the state Department of Health Services.

“Because seniors are at higher risk for getting the flu and getting

pneumonia we want to be able to offer an opportunity for them to receive

their flu and pneumonia shots,” said Marilyn Connors, social services

coordinator.

Besides free immunizations, the Health Expo will also give seniors a

chance to receive free hearing, chiropractic and stroke risk screenings.

Health Management Organization representatives, service providers and

health educators will also be available to seniors for consultations.

Connors said a special effort was made to provide seniors with a variety

of health care agency representatives to answer any questions they might

have.

Advance appointments for hearing screenings can be made by calling (949)

645-0886. Appointments for blood screenings can be made by calling (714)

751-6671.

The Health Expo will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Costa Mesa Senior

Center, 695 W. 19th St. For more information, call (949) 645-2356.