Flu vaccine for the 2013-2014 Flu season is now available at all Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County clinic locations. The vaccine is available for $30, and is covered by Medicare Part B for adults who are eligible. Vaccine is also available at no fee for children aged 6 months through 18 years through the Vaccines For Children program. Quantities of the free vaccine are limited, so it is suggested that parents call the clinic to verify vaccine availability.
Clinic locations and hours:
Milton Clinic
5527 Stewart Street
Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday and Thursday
Closed for lunch from 12 noon – 1 p.m.
Phone: 983-5200
Midway Clinic
5840 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Hours: 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., Tuesdays only
Phone: 850-934-4074
Jay Clinic
14122 Alabama Street
Hours: 9 a.m. – 12 noon, first Wednesday of the month
Phone: 983-5200
Seasonal flu vaccine protects against strains of the illness most commonly circulating. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop the antibodies that protect against the flu. The 2013-2014 vaccine offers protection against four types of flu, two Type A and two Type B. In addition to the flu shot, the Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County recommends these precautions:
• Wash hands frequently using soap and warm water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
• Cover coughs and sneezes. Cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue and throw the tissue away after use, or cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve.
• Stay home if you are experiencing flu like symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, headache and muscle aches, and keep children with symptoms home from school or day care, until fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication, except to seek medical care.
For more information about the flu and flu vaccines, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Flu vaccine available