LOS ANGELES, Oct 27: The 2026–27 flu season is off to an early start, with influenza activity increasing earlier than typically observed and the highest activity currently reported along the West Coast, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
But it’s not too late to get vaccinated. As November and December approach—and families prepare to travel, gather and celebrate the holidays—Cedars-Sinai is bringing free flu clinics and health screenings directly into Los Angeles communities.
Through its Community Health Improvement program and COACH for Kids mobile medical clinic, Cedars-Sinai is meeting residents where they live, work and gather. The effort reflects Cedars-Sinai’s commitment to being “Here. For L.A.” and advancing health and wellbeing throughout the region.
“For more than a century, Cedars-Sinai has served vulnerable communities across Los Angeles,” said Christina Harris, MD, vice president and chief health equity officer at Cedars-Sinai. “Being here for L.A. means making it easier for people to access the care and resources they need to stay healthy.”
The flu can be especially dangerous for young children, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions. These groups are at increased risk for serious complications, including pneumonia, illness requiring hospitalization and, in some cases, death. Anyone can experience serious complications from the flu, including people who are otherwise healthy.
Flu symptoms often begin suddenly and may include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, fatigue, and muscle or body aches. Because influenza is contagious and can spread before people realize they are sick, vaccination is an important way to help reduce the risk of illness and serious complications.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine each season. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop, making November and December vaccination especially important as people travel, attend celebrations and spend time indoors with family and friends.
“If you haven’t gotten vaccinated yet, there’s still time,” Harris said. “Getting vaccinated before holiday gatherings can help protect you and the people around you, especially those who are most vulnerable to severe flu.”
All ages 6 months and older are welcome at the Cedars-Sinai community flu shot clinics, and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
