Dear Laguna Honda Residents and Families,

Influenza (flu) season is upon us and here at Laguna Honda Hospital (LHH) we know just how important the flu vaccine is to our community’s health and well-being. Together, we have worked tirelessly in our fight against COVID-19.  Getting our flu vaccinations this year is more important than ever to ensure that we stay healthy.

We may not yet have a vaccine for COVID-19 but, thankfully, we do for the flu.

Our staff flu vaccination efforts are well underway, and we have had record breaking numbers so far! With Laguna Honda under protective quarantine, we began our flu campaign with staff to prevent staff from bringing the flu into our community.

Details on Resident Flu Vaccinations at Laguna Honda

• Flu vaccinations for residents will begin the week of October 13th – the CDC recommends flu vaccinations in September and October, so Laguna Honda is right on track.
• We plan to complete all resident vaccinations within two weeks.
• Unless contraindicated, the flu vaccine will be offered to all LHH resident
• Resident Care Teams will obtain consent and coordinate all details with you.

The flu vaccine is safe and effective—and getting vaccinated protects both you and the people around you. I already received my vaccination and I encourage you to do so starting on October 13th.

Laguna Honda Working with the California Department of Public Health

LHH has been investigating two serious issues: the discovery of unexpected medications in the system of a few residents and the discovery of prohibited items, including some non-prescribed medications, in the possession of a few residents. Throughout this process Laguna Honda has shared information with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), working with CDPH to address the areas of concern, and identifying ways to reduce the risk to residents. As part of that process, CDPH placed Laguna Honda on Immediate Jeopardy to ensure that residents are protected.

Although Immediate Jeopardy represents a designation of noncompliance with State regulations, Laguna Honda has been closely collaborating with CDPH and we will continue to work together to investigate, address, and resolve the situation. 

Prior to being placed on Immediate Jeopardy, I initiated a Resident Safety Task Force alongside Laguna Honda’s executive leadership team. The goal of the Task Force is to actualize a Laguna Honda that is free of unprescribed medications and controlled substances. At Laguna Honda, our mission is to create a welcoming, caring, and healing environment for our residents. For this to be possible, we must create a safe environment free of unprescribed medications or controlled substances.

We take very seriously the presence of any unprescribed medications or controlled substances on our campus. I will continue to make abundantly clear my commitment to implementing these policies.

Updated COVID-19 Numbers

At Laguna Honda, we have had a total of 91 positive COVID-19 cases since our first known case in March 2020. There have been 27 resident cases and 64 staff cases. Currently, there are two active resident cases and one active staff case. 

COVID-19 dashboards with LHH’s staff and resident case numbers are available online at LagunaHonda.org/COVID19.  

Please continue to help us fight this virus by social distancing, wearing a face covering, and washing your hands frequently.

If you have any questions about LHH’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic or the safety and wellness of our community, your resident care team is available.

Please keep healthy and safe.