Sanford, Fla. – Media are invited to attend the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) No Cost Flu Event on Saturday, October 24th from 9:00am – 1:00pm at 400 West Airport Boulevard in Sanford. Currently the event is sold out and there are over 200 adults and children who have registered.

• Who: Health Officer Donna Walsh is available for interviews

• What: No Cost Flu Event

• When: Saturday, October 24, 2020, 9:00am – 1:00pm

• Where: Florida Department of Health in Seminole County, 400 W. Airport Boulevard, Sanford,Fl 32773

This No Cost Flu Event provides an opportunity to receive the flu vaccine early and is also an internal Point of Dispensing (POD) exercise to prepare for distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine when available for the public. PODs are community locations in which state or local agencies dispense medical countermeasures such as vaccines, antiviral drugs, antibiotics, antitoxins and chemical antidotes, used to effectively prevent, mitigate, or treat adverse health effects of an intentional, accidental, or naturally occurring public health emergency.

The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County urges residents and visitors to receive a flu vaccine early in the flu season to prevent illness, hospitalization and death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting the flu vaccine 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.

Vaccination is important for everyone, especially 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.

Those who were not able to register for the event may obtain flu vaccines for children and adults through the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County, Sanford located at 400 West Airport Boulevard by appointment Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Flu vaccines are free for children 6 months through 18 years of age. To schedule an appointment and learn about other immunization events call (407) 665-3700. For more information on immunizations visit https://seminole.floridahealth.gov. You may also check with your physician or use the 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.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.