This press release was published at the request of the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County.
The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County (DOH-Alachua) is offering the influenza vaccine. “Receiving an influenza vaccine is a primary preventive measure against influenza infection, ” stated Paul Myers, Administrator of the Alachua County Health Department. “In addition to getting a flu immunization, staying home when ill, practicing proper cough etiquette, and washing your hands are effective personal means to protect yourself and the community from a variety of illnesses. Popular, painless, safe, and effective FluMist® has been available at school clinics, while FluMist® and shots are available at all health department sites.”
Flu immunizations are being offered at the Florida Department of Health in Alachua – East Gainesville Clinic – Main Headquarters located at 224 S.E. 24th Street, phone number 352-334-7910, the Florida Department of Health in Alachua – Alachua Clinic located in the Hitchcock’s shopping plaza located at 15530 N.W. US Hwy 441, phone number 386-462-2542, and the Florida Department of Health in Alachua – Southwest Clinic located at 816 S.W. 64th Terrace, phone number 352-225-4320. Appointments are required for flu shots at all three health department sites and these can be made by calling the clinics at the numbers listed above.
This year’s flu vaccine is effective against the major circulating strains of flu and Fluzone® High-Dose shots are available for those 65 and older. The cost for the regular vaccine is $25.00 and the high-dose shots are available at different price points. If citizens have Medicare part B, there is no charge if they bring their Medicare B card and any other supplemental insurance cards with them. Citizens who normally receive their vaccines from providers other than the Health Department should contact them for vaccine availability. Those between the ages of 6 months and 18 years who are uninsured, and have Medicaid or an insurance that does not cover the immunization may receive the vaccine at the Alachua County Health Department at no cost to them.