by Gabriel Arizon, San Fernando Valley Sun/El Sol February 8, 2023
The San Fernando Community Health Center (SFCHC) is hosting a series of free COVID-19 and flu vaccination clinics in partnership with community-based organizations.
The center is partnering with MEND (Meet Each Need with Dignity) and the City of San Fernando at three upcoming clinics, two of which will be held at MEND, located at 10641 N. San Fernando Rd. in Pacoima. The first clinic will be held on Feb. 17, and the second on March 17. The clinics will be open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The third clinic will be held on Thursday, March 16, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Las Palmas Park in the City of San Fernando.
The clinics will offer first, second and booster Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, as well as this year’s flu vaccine. Both COVID-19 and flu shots can be taken at the same time.
The walk-up clinics are being funded by a $115,865 grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The clinics are part of a federal initiative for HRSA-supported health centers to increase COVID-19 and flu vaccinations in their communities, especially underserved populations hit hardest by the pandemic.
However, those same populations — including Latino communities — are often reluctant to get their second COVID-19 shot or their booster shot due to safety concerns or misinformation. Additionally, with the prevalence of at-home COVID-19 tests, a number of cases can go unreported within Los Angeles County.
The health center is using the grant to spread awareness, to make the community aware of the clinics and to reassure community members that the vaccinations are safe and free.
For more information about the clinics, go to https://www.sfchealthcenter.org/contents/vaccination-clinics
