October 27, 2020

DOH-Brevard Opens Free Adult Flu Clinics

Contact:
Anita Stremmel
Anita.Stremmel@flhealth.gov
321-615-9323

Viera, Fla. —  The Florida Department of Health in Brevard County (DOH-Brevard) is strongly encouraging all unvaccinated residents to get their flu shot as soon as possible. Flu vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu and its potentially serious complications.

To better serve Brevard County residents, DOH-Brevard is offering free adult flu clinics during the month of November. These adult flu clinics will be open November 6, November 13, and November 20 from 1:00PM – 4:00PM on a walk-in basis at each of our clinic locations in Melbourne, Viera, and Titusville.

DOH-Brevard continues to offer free flu vaccines for children ages 6 months through 18 years of age, Monday – Friday from 8:00AM to 4:00PM on a walk-in basis at each of our clinic locations in Melbourne, Viera, and Titusville.

Getting the flu shot each year is important but reducing illness and hospitalization from flu is even more critical this year to protect frontline health care workers and hospital systems who will continue to care for people with COVID-19 and other illnesses. Also, having the flu and COVID-19 at the same time could lead to a negative outcome.

The flu and COVID-19 are respiratory illnesses, but until there is a steady vaccine supply against COVID-19, the way to help prevent these two viruses from circulating at the same time is to get your flu vaccine now.

It takes approximately two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop protection against the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend getting a flu vaccine every year because flu viruses evolve quickly, and last year’s vaccine may not protect against the current year’s strain. Even if the vaccine does not fully protect against the flu, it may reduce the severity of symptoms and the risk of complications.

Additionally, there will be less spread of the flu and COVID-19 if everyone continues to:

• Stay home if when sick
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly
  

About the Florida Department of Health

The Florida Department of Health, 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.