University Eye Center Los Angeles and Walgreens Offer Free Flu Shots for Uninsured and Underinsured LA Residents This November

Walk-in Clinics at University Eye Center Los Angeles on Nov. 3, 17 and 19 Help Residents Get Protected Before Flu Season Peaks and Holiday Gatherings Begin

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The University Eye Center Los Angeles, part of Ketchum Health, the clinical teaching facility of Marshall B. Ketchum University (MBKU), is partnering with Walgreens to offer free flu shots to uninsured and underinsured Los Angeles residents at three clinics this November, giving patients time to build protection before the holidays.

The clinics are aimed at the Angelenos most likely to go without a flu shot. About 1 in 12 Los Angeles County residents had no health insurance in 2024, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, and the California Health Care Foundation expects that number to climb as Medi-Cal enrollment declines. Many others have coverage but still face high out-of-pocket costs or long waits for an appointment.

And going without a flu shot carries real risk. During last year’s flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated at least 32 million flu illnesses, 390,000 hospitalizations and 24,000 deaths nationwide.

Hosting the clinics at the University Eye Center Los Angeles puts free shots in a neighborhood clinic that residents already know and trust. MBKU educates the next generation of optometrists, physician assistants and pharmacists. It also offers advanced degrees in vision science and medical science. Its interdisciplinary approach trains students from each program to work side by side, and the flu clinics bring that team-based model to the community MBKU serves in Los Angeles.

“For many families we see at Ketchum Health, a flu shot is easy to put off when money is tight or a doctor’s appointment is weeks away, and that delay can mean missed work, missed school or a hospital visit that didn’t need to happen,” said Lisa Wahl, OD, clinic director at University Eye Center Los Angeles. “Offering free, walk-in flu shots right here in the neighborhood takes those barriers away. Working with Walgreens lets us reach more people before the worst of flu season hits.”

Walgreens pharmacists, assisted by MBKU students, will give the shots, which are funded through Walgreens vouchers, so the trivalent flu vaccine is free to eligible patients with no insurance needed. Patients with insurance who want other vaccines, such as COVID-19, at the same visit can request them, and pharmacists will process those claims on site.

Clinic dates:

• Tuesday, Nov. 3, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone six months and older, and the vaccine takes about two weeks to build full protection. Patients vaccinated Nov. 3 will be protected by Thanksgiving, and those who come Nov. 17 or 19 will be protected ahead of December holiday gatherings. Walk-ins and appointments are both welcome.

All three clinics take place at the University Eye Center Los Angeles located at 3916 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90037. To schedule an appointment, call 323.234.9137.

About Marshall B. Ketchum University: Marshall B. Ketchum University (MBKU) is an independent, private, non-profit, accredited educational institution located in Fullerton, California proudly preparing the health care leaders of the future through immersive and rigorous academic programs that teach, train and graduate tomorrow’s clinical experts. Established in 1904, more than 100 years later, MBKU today includes four primary schools: 1) Southern California College of Optometry which offers a Doctor of Optometry and a Master of Science in Vision Science degree; 2) its School of Physician Assistant Studies which awards a Master of Medical Science degree; 3) its College of Pharmacy, that offers a Doctor of Pharmacy degree; and 4) its Doctor of Medical Science program, which provides a Doctor of Medical Science degree. With a nationally recognized faculty known for offering the highest level of expertise and experience in clinical education and training; a commitment to introducing students to the latest in technology, diagnosis and treatment; as well as small class sizes and a tight-knit family feel—MBKU graduates become part of a diverse and inclusive alumni group that includes some of the health care industry’s most accomplished researchers, clinicians and teachers. MBKU also provides personalized care to the communities it serves from two state-of-the-art optometry clinics offering comprehensive vision care for all ages, from infants to seniors. Its wide array of services include cornea and contact lenses, pediatric vision, ocular disease treatment and consultation, vision therapy, low vision and more. More services can be found online at the University Eye Center at Ketchum Health Anaheim and University Eye Center at Ketchum Health Los Angeles. Accessible primary care medical services are also available at its Ketchum Health Medical Clinic. To learn more about MBKU’s programs or public clinics, visit https://www.ketchum.edu/ or follow on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Editor’s Note: Spokespeople will be available for on-site interviews at all three clinics. To attend as press or schedule an interview, contact [e-mail] or 949.733.8679.