FL Department Of Health Offers Free Flu Shots At All Volusia Offices

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Volusia County, FL - The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County (DOH-Volusia) is urging residents to take advantage of their no-cost or low-cost flu shots this flu season.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu season can last through late spring. To protect against the flu, the CDC urges that individuals ages 6 months and older get vaccinated. Although everyone is recommended to receive the vaccine, the most at-risk individuals for complications because of the flu are:

  • people age 65 and older
  • pregnant women
  • infants over six months of age
  • people with compromised immune systems or chronic health problems like asthma, diabetes, or kidney disease

From 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, residents can visit the following DOH-Volusia locations to receive a flu vaccine without an appointment:

  • 1845 Holsonback Dr., Daytona Beach.
  • 775 Harley Strickland Blvd., Orange City.
  • 717 W. Canal St., New Smyrna Beach.

The CDC says that after you are vaccinated, it takes two weeks for your body to build up a complete immune response and start to protect against the flu. There are different versions of the flu vaccine are approved for different ages, pregnant women, and individuals with certain health conditions.

If you are over the age of 65, have a chronic illness or a compromised immune system, DOH-Volusia recommends that you also receive a pneumonia shot. This shot will help prevent the likelihood of developing pneumonia as a result of having the flu.

In addition to DOH-Volusia offices, the flu shot can be available at physicians’ offices, pharmacies, and workplaces. If you have questions about how to obtain the flu vaccine, call the Department of Health in Volusia County at 386-274-0509 and select option 1.

Photo courtesy Sherry Yates Young and Shutterstock.com.

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