CLAY COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Clay 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 by getting a flu shot soon.

“At DOH-Clay, our mission is to prevent, protect and promote improved health of all members in Clay County. The flu vaccination is an important preventive factor that we provide for our Clay

County residents who are uninsured or underinsured, meaning their health insurance doesn’t cover the service. Providing this service gives us an opportunity to reach residents in our community who may not otherwise have access to this much needed prevention service” said Heather Huffman, MS, RDN, LD/N, IBCLS, Administrator/Health Officer.

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 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.

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 younger than 5, adults older than 65,

people with compromised immune systems, pregnant women and people who have existing medical conditions, such as asthma and obesity.

You can receive the flu shot at our Bear Run Clinic at 3229 Bear Run Blvd. in Orange Park, Monday-through-Friday from 8 a.m.-11 a.m. and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. No appointments are needed.

For further information, call (904) 529-2800.

To find other locations, please visit CDC Flu Shot Finder for one near you. 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.