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 school clinics and at all health department sites.”
Flu immunizations are being offered at the Health Department’s main clinic in Gainesville, located at 224 S.E. 24th Street (phone number 352-334-7950), the City of Alachua satellite clinic, located in the Hitchcock’s shopping plaza at 15530 N.W. US Hwy 441 (phone number 386-462-2542), and the S.W. Gainesville satellite clinic, located at 816 S.W. 64th Terrace (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. These 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 an insurance that does not cover the immunization may receive the vaccine at the Alachua County Health Department at no cost to them.
Parents of public and private school students are encouraged to review and complete FLUMIST consent forms provided by their child’s school, or download, print out, complete, and submit the form to the child’s school. FLUMIST clinics will be held in the schools this fall, and a completed consent form is required for participation. FLUMIST is effective, painless and offered at no cost.
For general media inquiries, contact Paul Myers at 352-334-8873.
For more information, including forms to expedite visits, go to the DOH-Alachua website.