Protect yourself and others from the flu
Get your flu vaccine before Halloween
SARASOTA COUNTY –The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County (DOH-Sarasota) is holding a media availability to remind residents and visitors to protect themselves and others from the flu this season by getting vaccinated before Halloween.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months of age and older get vaccinated. This includes pregnant women, who are at risk of miscarriage, hospitalization and even death if they get the flu.
According to the CDC, the peak of the flu season occurred earlier than usual last year – in December rather than during January and February. To ensure that everyone who is able to get a flu vaccine is protected, residents are encouraged to get their flu vaccine before Halloween.
Two staff members – the DOH-Sarasota’s Medical Executive Director Dr. William Heymann, and the Florida Epidemic Intelligence Service Fellow Eboni Corprew, who is also pregnant, will be rolling up their sleeves to get their flu vaccines.
Residents and visitors can contact their private healthcare provider or get vaccinated at local walk-in and urgent care clinics or at the DOH-Sarasota in Sarasota and North Port. Many pharmacies and retail outlets also offer flu vaccines for a low-cost. To find a flu vaccine provider nearest you, go to http://flushot.healthmap.org/ and search by city or zip code.
For more information:
DOH-Sarasota website at www.sarasotahealth.orgFlu Information Line that provides recorded information, 941-861-2800.
Florida Department of Health’s (Department) website at http://www.doh.state.fl.us/floridaflu/.
Department’s Online Newsroom: http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/
The DOH-Sarasota is part of a statewide network of county health departments that work to protect, promote and improve the health of residents and visitors through integrated state, county and community efforts.
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Website: www.sarasotahealth.org
