October 13, 2017

Keep Vaccine Between You and Flu This Season

Contact:
Helen Medlin
Helen.Medlin@flhealth.gov
(321) 634-6337

Merritt Island, FL— The Florida Department of Health in Brevard County (DOH-Brevard) encourages all Floridians to keep vaccine between you and disease by getting a flu shot ahead of the 2017 flu season. Floridians should get the flu vaccine to protect against infection and help prevent the spread of seasonal flu to others. It has never been easier, and it’s never too late to get your flu shot!

"You need to get a flu shot every year," stated Maria Stahl, DOH-Brevard Administrator. "Flu viruses are constantly changing and flu vaccines may be updated from one season to another. Plus, your body’s level of immunity from a previous flu vaccine is expected to have declined."

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older, including pregnant women. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop protection against the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people get injectable flu shots. Nasal spray vaccine is not recommended for this flu season due to concerns regarding its effectiveness.

It is also essential to practice good hygiene byproperly and frequently washing your handsto help prevent the spread of seasonal flu. Make it a habit to clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces in your home, school or office. You can take additional steps to ward off the flu by coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow and avoiding touchingyour face.

Receiving your flu vaccination if you are healthy helps to prevent illness in our most vulnerable populations. People at higher risk for flu-related complications include
children ages newborn to five, adults over the age of 65, pregnant women and people who have existing medical conditions such as asthma.

Check with your physician or use ourFlu Shot Locatorto schedule your flu vaccine. VisitFluFreeFlorida.comfor more information on how you can be a part of #FluFreeFL.

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.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.