Media Release

​This press release sent out at the request of the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County (DOH-Alachua) is offering the influenza (flu) vaccine beginning today, Tuesday, September 20, 2016. The flu vaccine program runs until supplies are exhausted.

Flu shots are being offered at the Health Department’s main clinic (224 S.E. 24th Street, Gainesville, phone number 352-334-7950), the City of Alachua satellite clinic (in the Hitchcock’s shopping plaza, 15530 N.W. US Hwy 441, Alachua, phone number 386-462-2542), and the S.W. Clinic (816 S.W. 64th Terrace, Gainesville, phone number 352-225-4320).  Walk-ins are accepted at the Gainesville site, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are required at the Alachua and S.W. Clinics.

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 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 old who are uninsured, 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.

Flu shot 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 vaccine consent forms provided by their child’s school, or they can print out the online consent form and send it to school with their child. There is no cost to participate in the school program.

“Receiving an influenza vaccine is a primary preventive measure against influenza infection,” stated DOH-Alachua Administrator Paul Myers. “In addition to getting a flu shot, 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.”

For more information, including forms to expedite your visit, visit the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County’s website.

For more information, contact the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County Senior RN Supervisor Michael Smith at 352-334-8827.

The mission of the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County is to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, & community efforts.