Fight the Flu: Get Your Flu Shot

Contact:
Kent Donahue
Kent.Donahue@flhealth.gov
407-858-1418

Orlando, FL – The start of the 2022 Flu season is right around the corner, and the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) encourages residents to Fight the Flu by getting a flu shot.

Every flu season is unique, and influenza infection can affect people differently. Millions of people get the flu every year, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized and thousands of people die from flu-related causes every year. An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against flu. Remember, it’s never too late to get your flu shot!

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.

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, diabetes or heart and lung disease and those with a weakened immune system.

Contact your health care provider, county health department, local pharmacy or use our Flu Shot Locator schedule your flu shot. Visit FluFreeFlorida.com for more information on how you can be a part of a Flu Free Florida (#FluFreeFL).

Here are tips to prevent the spread of seasonal flu:

• Get a Flu shot each year
• Wash your hands often with soap and water 
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school
• If you are sick, stay home to mitigate the transmission of the virus
• Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food

About the Florida Department of Health

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.