This week, we marked the first day of fall –– and with the new season comes a new chapter in our fight against COVID-19.

Flu season threatens to increase the number of people in need of medical care. That can lead to what experts are calling a “twindemic” –– seeing our community and economy overtaken by both the flu and COVID-19, and placing a strain on our hospitals that they simply can’t handle.

We must do everything we can to avoid this worst case scenario, keep our health care system from getting overwhelmed, protect Angelenos’ health, and save lives.

Getting your flu shot should be part of everyone’s annual routine. But this year, it’s more important than ever. Anybody can –– and should –– call your doctor, visit a pharmacy, or use VaccineFinder.org to track down resources and make an appointment to get vaccinated.

This year, though, the stakes for flu season are higher than before, and we are leaving no stone unturned. That’s why, this week, I launched a pilot program with the USC School of Pharmacy to bring flu shots directly to more Angelenos across the city in the weeks ahead. 

Residents will be able to get their shots free of charge, with no appointments necessary. We kicked off this program at the Weingart East L.A. YMCA, and will have more sites coming soon.

Anyone with a confirmed COVID-19 case should wait to get a flu shot and stay in isolation. Those with COVID-19 symptoms should consult a medical professional before getting a flu shot.

To learn more about the program or find a location, please visit Coronavirus.LACity.org/FluShot. 

Please do your part to keep our city safe and get your flu shot as soon as possible.

There’s another critical way to support our city, our health and safety, our families and our neighborhoods: fill out the 2020 Census. 

The deadline is fast approaching to fill out the census. All Angelenos need to be counted and make our voices heard. 

The census count couldn’t be more important. The final tally shapes what L.A. will look like for the next decade. It determines how many representatives we send to Washington D.C. to fight for our interests –– and how much funding we bring home for our roads, schools, health care, unemployment benefits, and other essential programs. 

If we don’t respond, those resources go somewhere else. We can’t let that happen. And all it takes is ten minutes of your time. Ten minutes to secure L.A.’s future for the next ten years. The power is in our hands.

You can fill out the census online by going to My2020Census.gov, or you can complete it over the phone in a variety of languages. A list of phone numbers by language can be found here. As a reminder, you will never be asked about your immigration status.

If you’ve already filled it out, your job isn’t done. Check in with five friends to make sure they’ve done it, too.

There’s one more date coming up that everybody should circle on their calendars: Election Day –– November 3, 2020. 

This year’s election is more important than ever, and our job is simple: cast a ballot. The last day to register to vote and receive a Vote by Mail ballot is October 19th. If you miss that deadline, you can register and vote in-person at any Vote Center up until November 3.

And remember, there are three ways to cast your vote: you can mail in your ballot, place it in a drop box, or show up in-person from October 24th through on Election Day. Voting is our civic duty, and everyone should have their say.

Even if you think you’re registered to vote, double check your status and verify that your information is correct. To do that, and get more information on voting in Los Angeles, visit LAMayor.org/LAVotes. 

Together, we can build a stronger, healthier, safer, more equitable Los Angeles.

Thanks for doing your part, .

Eric Garcetti
Your Mayor