Influenza (Flu) Vaccines

Flu Vaccines for Adults and Children 

DOH-Flagler offers flu vaccines to adults and children while supplies last.

Flu Shots for Adults

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Debit and cash. If you have Medicare Part B, bring a copy of your card with you.

Adults - No charge for Medicare Part B (Non - HMO Participants).

Clinic schedule and prices are available by calling the Immunization Office at 386-437-7350 ext. 7088

Flu Shots for Children

For a child under age 18 to be vaccinated, a parent or guardian must be present and must bring prior immunization records. Parents are reminded that children younger than nine years of age who have not previously been vaccinated against the flu may need two doses of the flu vaccine given a month apart for full protection.

Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program Parents can bring their children from six months through age 18 to DOH-Flagler for free flu vaccinations through the federally funded Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. VFC-eligible children may receive flu shots as well as immunizations required for day care and school entry.

Why should I get a flu vaccine?

• The flu vaccine is the best defense against the flu. Every year, the vaccine protects against prevalent seasonal flu viruses.

• Flu season is roughly October through March. Different strains of the flu virus circulate each year, so it's important to get a flu shot each year for your best protection.

Facts About Flu

• The flu is not the same as the common cold or an intestinal illness.

• Colds usually are associated with an upper respiratory infection. They last about a week and are accompanied by a cough and a running nose. People with a cold can function in their everyday roles.

• However, seasonal flu (influenza or "the flu") is a serious, contagious, respiratory disease.

• It can lead to hospitalization and sometimes death. Well known for its fever, body aches and cough, the flu is caused by a virus. It does not respond to antibiotics. People with the flu are generally not able to function for several days to two weeks.

• The flu affects people differently based on their body’s ability to fight infection. Even healthy children and adults can get very sick from the flu and spread it to friends, co-workers, and family.

• There are anti-viral medications that your health care provider can prescribe to reduce the severity and duration of the flu. This is especially important for those at risk for complications. These prescribed medications must be taken within 1-2 days of symptoms.

Getting vaccinated is the single best way to protect yourself and your family.

• People who get vaccinated against seasonal flu can expect to have immunity within two weeks. The protection you get from the vaccine will continue throughout the flu season.

• Florida’s flu season usually peaks in January/February and can continue into March, but may last later.

• DOH-Flagler uses data collection to determine how flu is impacting our community.

Who should get vaccinated?

• Everyone six months old and older should be vaccinated, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

• Typically, children under age 5 and adults 65 years of age and older are the two groups most likely to suffer complications from the flu.

• Pregnant women can suffer a miscarriage if they get the flu. Getting a flu shot is completely safe anytime during pregnancy and is strongly recommended by the CDC.

• Individuals (regardless of age) with certain health conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune system and other health issues) are at high risk for flu-related complications.

• Since babies under 6 months are too young to get a flu shot, all members of their households and close contacts should get vaccinated. This includes child care providers and grandparents. This protects the infants by preventing those around them from getting ill.

Flu Prevention Tips

Getting an annual flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu. In addition, follow these simple steps:

• Wash your hands often with soap or sanitizer.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with the inside of your elbow or a tissue, not your bare hand.

• Stay at home when you are sick. Keep sick children home. Stay home until free from fever at least 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medicine).

For additional information:

• https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/prevention/flu-prevention/flu-facts.html

• https://www.cdc.gov/flu/