Pasadena Urges Flu Vaccines as Cases Climb
The city's health department is encouraging residents ages 6 months and older to get vaccinated and has scheduled two free clinics this month.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Safety
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The Pasadena Public Health Department urged residents ages 6 months and older to get flu vaccinations as California's positive influenza tests rose sharply. The city has scheduled two free community vaccination clinics on November 5 and November 19.
Why it matters
Flu activity is rising across California and Los Angeles County, which is seeing an earlier increase than last year. Older adults and people with underlying medical conditions face a higher risk of serious flu complications.
California recorded 22,869 positive influenza tests as of October 24, a 211.2% increase over the 7,348 tests reported in September. The figures reflect test counts rather than total infections, and the trajectory of the season remains unclear.
The players
Pasadena Public Health Department
The city agency responsible for public health programs and disease prevention in Pasadena, which issued the vaccination recommendation and organized the clinics.
The details
Residents unable to attend the free clinics can contact a health care provider, visit a local pharmacy, or check MyTurn.ca.gov for other vaccination options. Health officials also advise anyone with flu-like symptoms to seek prompt testing and stay home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
Timeline
November 3: Pasadena Public Health Department issues flu vaccination urging.
November 5, 1:30 to 4 p.m.: First free flu clinic at Allendale Branch Library, 1130 S. Marengo Ave.
November 19, 1:30 to 4 p.m.: Second free flu clinic at Hill Avenue Branch Library, 55 S. Hill Ave.
Seasonal Patterns
The early rise in California's positive influenza tests, which increased 211.2% since September, places Pasadena's vaccination push within the state's current flu surveillance reporting. Los Angeles County's earlier-than-usual increase compared with last year marks a shift in the season's timing.
Pasadena residents ages 6 months and older can receive a free flu vaccination at one of two clinics on November 5 or November 19 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Anyone with flu-like symptoms should get tested promptly and stay home until fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
The takeaway
Vaccination is the most practical step residents can take before flu activity peaks in the coming weeks. Getting vaccinated early in the season helps protect older adults and people with medical conditions who face the greatest risk of complications.
What happens next
Free flu vaccination clinics are scheduled for November 5 and November 19, 2026, at the Allendale and Hill Avenue Branch Libraries.
Further reading
Find more on local preparedness in the Pasadena Safety section.
More information
Find other vaccination options at MyTurn.ca.gov, the state tool for locating flu vaccines.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pasadena Now.
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