Volusia County, Fla. - To protect against the seasonal flu, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest everyone age six months or older get a flu vaccine by the end of October. The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County (DOH-Volusia) offers flu vaccines from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at all DOH-Volusia locations:

• 1845 Holsonback Dr., Daytona Beach.

• 775 Harley Strickland Blvd., Orange City.

• 717 W. Canal St., New Smyrna Beach.

Appointments for flu shots are not required. This year, the CDC only recommends injectable flu shots.

DOH-Volusia provides flu and pneumonia vaccines based on these fees:

• $30 basic (quadrivalent) vaccine

• $50 high-dose flu vaccine for people age 65 and older

• $85 pneumococcal (PPSV23) vaccine

• $150 pneumococcal (PCV13) vaccine

• There is no cost for Medicaid and non-HMO Medicare Part B subscribers.

Seasonal flu activity can begin in October and continue through late spring, according to the CDC. Disease activity peaks between December and March.

Annual flu shots are recommended for people at high risk for complications from the flu including:

• people age 65 and older

• pregnant women

• infants over six months of age

• people with weakened immune systems or long-term health problems (such as asthma, diabetes, or kidney disease)

DOH-Volusia also recommends pneumonia shots for people over 65 years of age or anyone with a chronic illness or weakened immune system. This shot will help protect against pneumonia – a serious complication of the flu.

According to the CDC, after receiving the flu vaccine, the body takes about two weeks to build a full immune response and provide protection. Versions of vaccines are approved for people of different ages as well as for use in pregnant women and those with specific health conditions.

Flu vaccine also is available in a variety of locations including family physicians, pharmacies and many worksites.

DOH-Volusia encourages the following steps to avoid catching or spreading the flu:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you do not have a tissue, cough and sneeze into your elbow to reduce spreading of germs.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Try to avoid close contact with people who are showing symptoms of illness.

• If you are sick with flu–like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone unless you need medical care or other necessities. Your fever is considered ‘gone’ when you are not using fever reducing medicines.

• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to avoid spreading the flu.

• Get revaccinated annually because strains of flu viruses change each year.

For more information on getting flu vaccine, please call the Department of Health in Volusia County at 386-274-0509. Select option 1.

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About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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