[photo credit: Pasadena Public Library]
The initiative comes as health officials grapple with sobering statistics: 280 children died from influenza nationwide during the 2024-2025 season — the highest toll in 21 years, excluding the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. In California, 25 children lost their lives, according to the California Department of Public Health.
The November 6 clinic runs from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Allendale Branch Library, 1130 South Marengo Avenue. No appointment is necessary, and minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
The CDC classified last season as “high severity” across all age groups — the first such designation since 2017-2018. Among pediatric victims who were eligible and had available data, 89% were not fully vaccinated.
Recent Southern Hemisphere data offers hope: the seasonal vaccine reduced outpatient visits by 50.4% and hospitalizations by 49.7%. The 2025-2026 vaccine composition is identical to that used during the Southern Hemisphere’s season.
The clinic series represents one of the first major initiatives under Director Manuel Carmona, who was permanently appointed in January after leading the Pasadena Public Health Department through the COVID-19 pandemic and Eaton Fire emergency.
Additional clinics are scheduled for November 13 at Santa Catalina Branch Library and November 20 at Linda Vista Branch Library, both from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are also welcome at the department’s permanent clinic at 1845 North Fair Oaks Avenue on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Flu Shot Clinic will run on Thursday, Nov. 6, from 1:30-4 p.m. Allendale Branch Library, 1130 South Marengo Ave., Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 744-7260 or visit https://www.cityofpasadena.net/library/?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D191135802. Ticket prices: Free.
