This press release 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 influenza vaccine starting immediately. “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. Parents and guardians are encouraged to take advantage of the convenience of school based flu clinics for their children. Popular, painless, safe and effective FLUMIST is once again available at elementary school clinics, while the shot is available in middle and high schools and at all health department sites.”
Flu immunizations are being offered at the Health Department’s main clinic in Gainesville (224 S.E. 24th Street, Gainesville, phone number 352-334-7950), the City of Alachua satellite clinic located in the Hitchcock’s shopping plaza (15530 N.W. US Hwy 441, Alachua, phone number 386-462-2542), and the S.W. Gainesville satellite clinic located at (816 S.W. 64th Terrace, Gainesville, phone number 352-225-4320). Walk-ins are accepted at the main Gainesville site, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Citizens will need an appointment at the Alachua and S.W. clinic sites. Appointments 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. The cost for the vaccine is $25.00. 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, have Medicaid, or insurance that does not cover the immunization may receive the vaccine at the Alachua County Health Department at no cost to them.
Flu clinics will be held in the schools this fall, and a completed consent form is required for participation. Parents of public and private school students are encouraged to review and complete flu consent forms provided by their child’s school or download the consent form online.
For more information, visit the DOH-Alachua website or call Michael Smith at 352-334-8827.