Flu Shots

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu shot each year. Flu shots are safe, effective, and cannot cause the flu.

The Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk) partners with various agencies across the county to offer flu shots to the community during flu season. Flu season in Florida normally peaks between November and February.

Annual flu shots are recommended for:

• People at high risk for flu complications, including:
  • People 65 years and older
  • Pregnant women
  • People with long-term health problems (such as asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, or weakened immune systems)
• People who can spread the flu to high-risk individuals (includes those listed above, infants, and young children)
• Household contacts and out-of-the-home caregivers
• Healthcare workers
• People who live with or care for high-risk individuals
• Anyone wishing to reduce the chance of getting the flu

The health department also recommends pneumonia shots for people 65 years and older or anyone with a chronic illness or a weakened immune system. This shot will help protect them against pneumonia, which is a serious flu complication.

In addition to vaccination, you can also reduce your risk of getting the flu by following a few simple steps:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleanser. Teach your children to do the same.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick and leave sick children at home.
• Avoid crowds where people are likely to be coughing or sneezing.
• Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels, or other personal items.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then, put used tissues in a waste container and wash your hands. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow.

We carry flu shots at all our DOH-Polk locations for people 6 months and older. We also have egg-free flu shots for children 6 months through 18 years old.

Flu and pneumonia shots available at no cost for those who meet these eligibility criteria:

• Children ages 6 months through 18 years
• Uninsured and underinsured adults 19 years and older
• Individuals with private insurance: Most private insurance plans cover flu shots. Pneumonia vaccines are also covered for individuals over age 65 by private insurance plans (non-Medicaid).
• Medicaid recipients: All Medicaid plans cover these vaccines at no cost.

We also carry high-dose flu shots for people 65 years and older. We only have this vaccine in stock for payment or through non-Medicaid insurance such as Medicare B, Medicare advantage plans, and private insurance.

Please call to schedule your flu shot at 863-519-7910. Press option 3 for medical services, then option 1 to speak to the call center and schedule your flu shot at your desired location.