Still Need A Flu Shot? Here's Your Chance To Get One For Free

PINELLAS BEACHES, FL -- Anyone who would like to receive a flu shot can get one for free at five locations in Pinellas County.

The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County is offering flu shots at no cost at its centers with immunization clinics. No appointment is necessary.

Although the high-dose vaccine for seniors is in limited quantities, these locations have no-cost flu vaccines for adults and children:

* St. Petersburg - 205 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N.

* Pinellas Park - 6350 76th Ave N.

* Mid-County - 8751 Ulmerton Road, Largo

* Clearwater - 310 N. Myrtle Ave.

* Tarpon Springs - 301 S. Disston Ave.

The Largo center at 12420 130th Ave. N. does not offer health services to the community and is not a location for no-cost flu shots.

Previously, said Pinellas Department of Health spokeswoman Maggie Hall, only eligible children and adults could receive the vaccine for free. Adults 19 to 64 had to pay $33 and those older than 64 had to pay $59.

The free flu shots are an effort to fight the epidemic of flu cases this year, she said.

“For those who have still not received a flu shot this year, it's not too late,” she said. “Annual vaccinations are safe and provide protection for each flu season. Getting vaccinated protects people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and children, older people and people with certain underlying health conditions.”

Children need to be vaccinated as well, Hall said.

Last week, 52 percent of reported outbreaks were in daycare (17 percent) or school (35 percent) settings. Emergency department data from last week show that almost 20 percent of visits statewide are due to influenza-like illness in children younger than 4.

A recent Centers for Disease Control study indicates that vaccination prevents deaths by half (51 percent) among children with underlying high-risk medical conditions and nearly two-thirds (65 percent) among healthy children. All five pediatric flu deaths reported in Florida to date this year were in unvaccinated children, Hall said.

Flu vaccination also may make illness milder if you do get sick, she added. Another recent CDC study showed that flu vaccination reduced intensive care unit admissions.

Antiviral drugs are a second line of defense to treat the flu if you get sick. There is an adequate supply of antivirals in Florida, although the CDC is aware of some areas where there are delays in receiving new shipments. DOH recommends that you call ahead to your pharmacy for medication availability.

For information, visit the Department of Health-Pinellas website.

Image via Department of Health