LOS ANGELES – The health care system is already overburdened due to a resurgence in COVID-19 cases across the country, and health officials say a bad flu season could severely worsen the situation. This year, a flu vaccine is critically important. L.A. Care Health Plan, the largest publicly operated health plan in the country, and the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS) are working together to spread that message.
L.A. Care is holding a Facebook Live Q&A in English with Raymond Perry, MD, a pediatrician and Director of L.A. County’s Hubert H. Humphrey Comprehensive Health Center.
“Our outpatient center serves communities that have been disproportionately harmed by the coronavirus, and we want to make sure that we don’t end up with a double crisis,” said Dr. Perry. “It’s important that we use every means possible to explain to our communities that a simple flu vaccine could be a matter of life and death.”
L.A. Care and DHS are holding a Facebook Live Q&A in Spanish with Karla Gonzalez, MD, a family medicine physician and the Medical Director of the Los Angeles County + USC Adult West Primary Clinic. Latinos, like African Americans, have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, raising the urgency about encouraging everyone receive a flu vaccine. Health outcomes are best when the doctor and patient speak the same language.
Each Q&A will offer easy to understand guidance on who needs a flu vaccine and how to be vaccinated.
“Our Facebook Live Q&A will help to dispel some long held myths that have prevented people from getting a flu vaccine in the past,” said Richard Seidman, MD, MPH, L.A. Care’s Chief Medical Officer. “A flu shot won’t give you the flu. It will help keep you, your family and your community safe during a period where everyone’s health is at risk.”
L.A. Care invites you to join these informative Facebook Live Q&As.
Just go to Facebook.com/LACareHealth
Tuesday, December 1
12:00 pm – Spanish Q&A
1:00 pm – English Q&A