Sanford, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) encourages all Floridians to Fight the Flu by getting a flu shot this season. Getting the flu shot is the first and most important step to fight the flu and its potential serious complications. Getting a flu vaccine this fall will be more important than ever, not only to protect against infection and help prevent the spread to others, but also, to help conserve potentially scarce health care resources.

Flu shots for children and adults are available at the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County, Sanford located at 400 West Airport Boulevard by appointment Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Flu shots are free for children 6 months through 18 years of age. To schedule an appointment call (407) 665-3700. For more information on immunizations visit https://seminole.floridahealth.gov. You may also get the flu vaccine through your health care provider, local pharmacy or supermarket.

“Getting a flu shot each year provides protection for you, your family, friends and others. Following CDC guidance and practicing social distancing and face covering prevention measures are important to stay healthy when going to get a flu vaccine to prevent exposure to COVID-19,” said Donna Walsh, health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County.

Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. It is possible to have flu, as well as other respiratory illnesses, and COVID-19 at the same time. Some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, making it difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Diagnostic testing can help determine if you are sick with flu or COVID-19.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop protection against the flu, so the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting the flu shot by the end of October each year to prepare for the increase in influenza activity. Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Getting a flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, however flu vaccination has many other important benefits. Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death.

Receiving your flu vaccination if you are healthy helps to prevent illness in our most vulnerable populations. Vaccination is also important for people who are at high risk for serious complications from influenza including infants and young children, people 65 years and older, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and those with a weakened immune system.

Check with your physician or use our Flu Shot Locator to schedule your flu vaccine by visiting www.FluFreeFlorida.com.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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