Media Release

11:41 AM

ALACHUA COUNTY - The Alachua County Health Department has received its initial allocation of injectable influenza vaccine for the 2006-2007 season. County Health Department medical staff will begin vaccinating high risk individuals through all of their clinical sites commencing Tuesday, October 24.

Vaccinations will be by appointment and will be offered at all Health Department sites:
• Gainesville-224 SE 24th Street- 352.334.7950
• Alachua-Hitchcock Plaza US 441- 386.462.2542
• High Springs- 245 NW 2nd Street-386-454.2421
• Newberry- 25435 W. Newberry Road-352.472.1160
• Hawthorne-22000 SE 65th Avenue-352.481.2388

The central site in Gainesville will also accept walk-ins. Cost of the vaccination is $20.00. The Health Department will bill Medicare for eligible patients as well as private insurance, if applicable.

County Health Department Director Tom Belcuore stated;” Every year, as many as 36,000 US citizens die from complications of influenza. Yearly vaccination of the population at highest risk prevents needless hospitalization and death.” Individuals at greatest risk for complications of influenza are: persons older than 50, persons with chronic medical conditions, children age 6mosto 5 years, pregnant women, and persons living in nursing homes or other long term care facilities. In addition, household caregivers of the above groups and health care workers should also be vaccinated.

For further press information, please contact Tom Belcuore at (352) 334-8892. Citizen inquiries should be directed to Sherry Windham, Immunization Coordinator at (352) 334-7951.