Assemblymember Gets Flu Shot at Westwood MinuteClinic

California Assemblymember Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) stopped by the Westwood MinuteClinic Friday for a tour and two vaccinations.

Seated in an examination room at the clinic located inside the , Mitchell barely flinched as she received the flu and pertussis vaccinations.

She talked about the need for affordable and convenient health services for people throughout the state.

"We've got to make it convenient," Mitchell, who is chair of the Assembly's Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, said. "It's an access and it's an affordability issue."

MinuteClinics are walk-in medical clinics that are staffed by certified nurse practitioners and physician assistants. The clinics accept all major insurance plans.

"As federal healthcare reform takes effect and thousands of residents gain access to health insurance, California needs to utilize every tool at its disposal to enable our health care system to accommodate the increased demand," Mitchell said in a statement. "With walk-in services available seven days a week, MinuteClinic's retail model is an important resource for the state and a great option for its residents."

The Westwood MinuteClinic in March to respond to patient demand. Debbie Palaski, MinuteClinic's Los Angeles district manager of operations, said there's been a steady stream of patients at the clinic this summer, most seeking its services for common illnesses such as sore throats.

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