(Santa Ana) – Free flu shots for adults and children will be offered November 2nd at two Orange County locations as part of a continuing series of emergency exercises testing the county’s ability to hold several mass vaccination clinics at the same time.

The free flu shots will be offered November 2nd from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at:

• Soka University, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo 92656 (Enter University Drive off Wood Canyon Drive)

• Cypress College, 9200 Valley View Street, Cypress 90630 (Walk-up - Enter from Holder Street at Lakeshore Dr., Drive-through enter on Orange Ave.)

Flu shots will be provided at no cost to adults and children six months of age and older. The Soka University site will primarily offer drive-through flu shots with walk-up flu shots also available, while the Cypress College site will offer both walk-up and drive-through flu shots. To receive a flu shot, participants should be feeling well on the day of the flu shot exercise and must complete a brief health screening to ensure they can safely receive a flu shot.

“Last year’s flu shot exercise was a tremendous success and we hope to give more than 5,000 free flu shots during this year’s event,” said Dr. Eric Handler, County Health Officer. “Not only will people receive a free flu shot, they will also be helping the County and our community partners improve our capabilities to respond in the event of a public health emergency.”

Among the organizations helping to stage the vaccination clinics are the cities of Aliso Viejo, Cypress, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel and Laguna Woods; Soka University and Cypress College; the Orange County Health Care Agency; the Children and Families Commission of Orange County; the Orange County Fire Authority; the Orange County Sheriff’s Department; the American Red Cross-Orange County Chapter; and the Coalition of Orange County Community Clinics.

An annual flu shot is the best way to prevent influenza, which affects 5% to 20% of the U.S. population each year. Some groups, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk for serious flu complications.

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