The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services will be providing free meningococcal vaccine for low-income and uninsured residents in Los Angeles County. Amid the growing concern in the community, residents without health insurance may visit one of the health care facilities listed below for a free vaccination.

“Public Health and Health Services are sympathetic to the growing concerns of the community,” said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer.

Meningococcal meningitis disease is a rare infection of the lining of the brain and the spinal cord.  The disease can cause brain damage, hearing loss, and even death. Many people can carry meningococcal bacteria in their nose and throat and not be sick. The bacteria can be spread by very close exposure to sneezing and coughing or direct contact with saliva (spit) or nose mucus (snot). Disease symptoms may include: fever, stiff neck, altered mental status, rash, severe headache, low blood pressure, and generalized muscle pains. Persons who have direct contact with the saliva or nose mucus of a person known to be infected with meningococcal meningitis should immediately contact their healthcare provider to receive appropriate antibiotic treatment.

“We support those who are concerned by providing the vaccine free of charge to those individuals without health insurance,” said Dr. Mitchell Katz, Director of Health Services.

Individuals are encouraged to contact their regular medical provider to determine if vaccination is appropriate. Those who are uninsured and already go to the Department of Health Services or a community clinic should also ask their doctor if vaccination is appropriate for them.

For more information regarding meningococcal meningitis disease, please visit the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial.html.

Listing of locations in Los Angeles County providing Meningoccocal vaccine for individuals who are uninsured and low-income with no regular source of care can access vaccine through the following Department of Health Services Urgent Care sites:

Harbor-UCLA Medical Center

1000 W. Carson St.

Torrance, CA 90502

(310) 228-8110

Monday-Friday

8:00am – 11:00pm

Saturday/Sunday

10:00am- 5:00pm

High Desert Multi-Service Ambulatory Care Center

44900 N. 60th St West

Lancaster, CA 93536

(661) 945-8520

7 Days a Week

8:00 am – 12 Midnight

LAC +USC Medical Center

2051 Marengo Street

Los Angeles, CA 90033

(323) 226-3753

Monday – Saturday

7:30am- 8:30pm

Hubert H. Humphrey Comprehensive Health Center

5850 S. Main Street

Los Angeles, CA 90003

(323) 848-4269

7 Days a Week

8:00a.m. – 12 Midnight

H. Claude Hudson Comprehensive Health Center

2829 S. Grand Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90007

(213) 744-3701

7 Days a Week

8:00a.m. -12 Midnight

MLK Multi-Service Ambulatory Care Center (MACC)

12021 S. Wilmington Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90059

(310) 668-4426

7 Days a Week

7:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Olive View-UCLA Medical Center

144454 Olive View Dr.

Sylmar, Ca. 91342

(818) 364-4311

Monday –Friday

8:00 am – 8:00pm

Saturday 8:00am – 4:00 pm

For more information regarding directions and hours, go to http://ladhs.org/wps/portal/UrgentCare.

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises nearly 4,000 employees and has an annual budget exceeding $750 million. To learn more about Public Health and the work we do please visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.