The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine.
 Sarasota – The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County is reminding all Floridians to get their flu shot before the height of the upcoming flu season. Flu activity can begin as early as October and last as late as May. The best way to avoid the flu this season is by getting a flu shot soon.
“Receiving your annual flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and your family throughout flu season, and more importantly throughout the holiday season,” said Michael Drennon, Program Manager, Disease Intervention Services. “Flu vaccine is widely available in the community and most health insurance plans cover 100% of the cost of the shot, so there’s really no reason not to get your annual flu shot.”
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older, including pregnant women. It can take up to two weeks after vaccination to develop protection against the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting a flu vaccine every year as the first and most important step in protecting against influenza and its potentially serious complications. There are many different flu vaccine options this season, which include high dose and adjuvanted vaccine for adults aged 65 years and older, as well as non-egg based products.
CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine every year because flu viruses evolve quickly, and last year’s vaccine may not protect against the current year’s flu strain. Even if the flu vaccine does not fully protect against the flu, it may reduce the severity of symptoms and the risk of complications.
Getting vaccinated if you are healthy helps to protect our most vulnerable populations. People at higher risk for flu-related complications include children less than 5, adults over the age of 65, people with compromised immune systems, pregnant women and people who have existing medical conditions, such as asthma and obesity.Flu shots are available at the following DOH-Sarasota locations.
William H. Little Health and Human Services Center, 2200 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota FL 34237Monday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.Tuesday 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (Closed between 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.) – 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.Wednesday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.Thursday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. North Port Health Center, 6950 Outreach Way, North Port FL 34287Monday 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.Tuesday 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.Wednesday 8 a.m. -11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.Thursday 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.Friday 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Health in Motion, Mobil UnitPlease see the current schedule for times and locations.
Visit FluFreeFlorida.com for more information on how to be a part of #FluFreeFL. For more information on influenza and influenza-like illness in Florida, please visit www.floridahealth.gov/floridaflu.
 About the Florida Department of HealthThe department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.For more information, visit www.sarasotahealth.org or call 941-861-2900._____________________________________________________

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