Volusia County, FL— To protect against the seasonal flu, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest everyone age six months or older get a flu vaccine by the end of October. The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County (DOH-Volusia) offers flu vaccines from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at all DOH-Volusia locations:
Appointments for flu shots are not required. This year, the CDC only recommends injectable flu shots.
DOH-Volusia provides flu and pneumonia vaccines based on these fees:
Seasonal flu activity can begin in October and continue through late spring, according to the CDC. Disease activity peaks between December and March.
Annual flu shots are recommended for people at high risk for complications from the flu including:
DOH-Volusia also recommends pneumonia shots for people over 65 years of age or anyone with a chronic illness or weakened immune system. This shot will help protect against pneumonia – a serious complication of the flu.
According to the CDC, after receiving the flu vaccine, the body takes about two weeks to build a full immune response and provide protection. Versions of vaccines are approved for people of different ages as well as for use in pregnant women and those with specific health conditions.
Flu vaccine also is available in a variety of locations including family physicians, pharmacies, and many worksites.
DOH-Volusia encourages the following steps to avoid catching or spreading the flu:
For more information on getting the flu vaccine, please call the Department of Health in Volusia County at 386-274-0509. Select option 1.
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