2:09 p.m.
The Alachua County Health Department has received its final allocations of influenza vaccinations and is now offering flu vaccination to medically eligible adults. While Health Department officials are still targeting high risk individuals, they are making vaccines available to the general public.
Vaccinations are available either by appointment in the outlying clinics, or by appointment or walk-in at the main Gainesville site. The locations are:
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
Health Department Director, Tom Belcuore stressed that we are just now beginning the influenza season. Belcuore stated; "The Thanksgiving Holiday travel of individuals both into and out of our area will bring the first wave of contact with influenza that is now circulating in the Country. The strains being identified coincide with the strains used in the vaccine this year so we can anticipate good protection." The season usually peaks in mid to late January so vaccination at this time will assure antibody development.
Citizen inquiries about immunizations should be directed to the Health Department Immunization Program at 334-7950.
For additional press information, contact Tom Belcuore at 334-8892 or 258-4295.
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