Pasadena health officer orders flu, COVID vaccines for health care workers

Health care workers in Pasadena who do not receive both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines by Nov. 1 must wear masks when working with patients, Acting Health Officer Dr. Parveen Kaur ordered Wednesday.

The order “highly recommended” mask-wearing for all health care workers, even if they have received the vaccines.

The Pasadena Public Health Department also “strongly recommends” that patients, clients and visitors of health care facilities wear well-fitted masks or N95, KN95 or KF94 respirators, according to a city statement.

“COVID-19 and the flu remain a concern for all Pasadena residents, but these viruses pose a more significant risk to the health of residents who have underlying medical conditions or need to access health services in medical facilities where the risk of exposure is higher,” Kaur said in a statement.

Pasadena has a higher percentage of residents in long-term care facilities compared with Los Angeles County, city officials said.

“The vaccination and masking requirements required by the health officer order are protective measures which have effectively reduced infection rates and protected vulnerable populations from COVID-19 and flu related complications,” the Pasadena Acting Director of Public Health Manuel Carmona said in a statement.

The health department encouraged the public to receive updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines. For COVID vaccination, officials suggested uninsured or underinsured individuals visit the LA County website showing vaccination sites. Residents who have medical insurance can schedule their vaccine appointment by visiting the Albertsons pharmacy website or Vons pharmacy website.

A list of free flu shot clinics offered by Pasadena Public Health at bit.ly/Fall-Flu-Clinics.