Flu Shots Available at Pomerado Hospital in Poway

Luanne Arangio-Law has a kind laugh. But when the subject turns to the flu, the nurse’s voice gets immediately serious.

“It’s here, and it’s making people really sick,” said Arangio-Law, R.N., M.Ed, the community health nurse supervisor at Palomar Health. “The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can take someone’s life. There have already been multiple pediatric deaths across the country from this year’s flu.”

Arangio-Law recommends the flu vaccine for anyone 6 months of age and older, including pregnant women. She said a fever caused by the flu can have damaging effects on a developing baby.

“It’s kind of like, it’s not about you—it’s about everyone else, and doing the right thing by keeping everyone safe,” said Arangio-Law, a Rancho Bernardo resident who has been in the medical field since 1988.

As of Tuesday, Arangio-Law said she had given or overseen the administration of 2,940 flu vaccines at Palomar Health’s 105 community clinics, which are staffed by Palomar Health volunteers. She said there were about 200 vaccines left before supplies ran out.

According to Arangio-Law, the prime time to receive the vaccine is September or October, though people can continue to get the shot through March.

Palomar Health is offering flu vaccines at Pomerado Hospital on the following dates:

• Friday, Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. to noon.
• Thursday, Jan. 17 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Free of charge.

The fee for the Jan. 11 clinic is $20, though Arangio-Law said the cost should not be a deterrent from getting the flu shot.

“If someone has a financial hardship situation, we will certainly give it free,” said Arangio-Law.

Pomerado Hospital is located at 15615 Pomerado Rd. For more clinic locations, click here.