Inland Empire residents are being urged to plan fall flu and COVID-19 vaccinations as local health agencies list clinic options ahead of winter. The J.W. Vines Medical Society, which represents Black physicians in the region, made the appeal in an October 17 statement, emphasizing protection for older adults and people living with chronic conditions.
The physicians’ written statement encourages residents to discuss vaccine suitability and insurance coverage with a doctor or pharmacist. It directs people to Riverside University Health System and San Bernardino County public health services for help finding vaccination options.
“Our community deserves good information from people it can trust,” Michael N. Nduati, president of the society, said in the release. The appeal does not announce a new vaccination center or provide figures showing how many residents have been vaccinated through the society’s outreach.
The message follows California’s seasonal immunization recommendations. In a September announcement republished here, the California Department of Public Health and the West Coast Health Alliance highlighted protection against serious respiratory illness, particularly for the youngest and oldest residents, pregnant people and others at higher risk. The state advised people to contact their health plan, provider, public health clinic or federally qualified health center for access.
For Riverside County residents, the health system’s respiratory guidance recommends a flu vaccine each season for everyone six months and older. Its community health centers list free flu shots on weekdays, with no appointment needed. Residents can call 800-720-9553 to confirm participating locations, hours and current arrangements before traveling.
San Bernardino County’s clinic directory lists immunization services and an appointment number, 800-722-4777. Its locations include Adelanto, Barstow, Ontario, Needles, Hesperia and San Bernardino. Patients should confirm the vaccine they need, eligibility and any cost when arranging a visit.
One upcoming option is an October 23 Hinkley event, scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Hinkley Community Center, 35997 Mountain View Road. The county lists flu vaccines for children, adults and seniors and strongly encourages appointments; walk-ins depend on capacity.
The listing says children must qualify through the Vaccines for Children program by being uninsured, Medi-Cal eligible, or American Indian or Alaska Native. A parent or guardian must accompany anyone under 18, and families are asked to bring photo identification and children’s vaccination records. The county page provides booking links and further eligibility information.
Those details matter when choosing a clinic: a general vaccination appeal does not establish that every location stocks every product or can serve every patient. The county listings provide practical access information, but TAQ has not confirmed individual appointment openings. Readers seeking COVID-19 vaccination should ask their provider about current recommendations for their age and health circumstances.
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Feature image: AI-generated illustration of a generic clinic setting; it does not depict the physicians, a named facility or the Hinkley event.
