What you might call the “regular” seasonal flu vaccine has arrived at the Orange County Health Department and health officials are encouraging everyone to get vaccinated for the upcoming flu season. The seasonal flu shot must not be confused with the swine flu vaccine which is supposed to be available sometime in October. In other words, you will need two flu shots this year in order to be protected from both strains of flu.
The free flu shots will be made available at several different locations throughout the county by the Orange County Health Department. Vaccinations will be available with proper identification at the following locations on a first come, first serve basis:
Monday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. First Baptist Church of Pine Castle 1001 Hoffner Ave., Orlando and Bithlo/Christmas Neighborhood Center for Families 18510 Madison Ave., Orlando
Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. East Orange Community Center 12050 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando
Monday, Sept. 28, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Pine Hills Community Center 6408 Jennings Road, Orlando
Monday, Oct. 5, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Magnolia Pointe Community Center 1701 Mercy Drive, Orlando
Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. New Covenant Baptist Church 2210 South Rio Grande Avenue, Orlando
Just as in past years, the Health Department is following the CDC’s recommendations what groups are candidates for getting the flu shot. They are:
- Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
- Pregnant women
- People 50 years of age and older
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
- Health care workers
- Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
- Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
If you miss one of the free events, the vaccinations will be available for $28.00 (or with your Medicare card) at the Orange County Health Department’ Central Health Center at 832 W.Central Blvd. in Orlando.
