JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Anyone with health insurance can come get a no-cost flu vaccine at one of the Florida Blue flu shot clinics across the state Thursday.
Florida Blue is teaming up with Walgreens to offer flu shots at its Florida Blue Centers statewide.
Recommended Videos
The flu vaccines are available from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. to anyone age 18 or older.
Individuals should bring their health insurance card to receive the vaccine at no cost, even if they have health insurance through another plan.
The Centers for Disease Control estimates that so far this season there have been at least 13 million flu illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations and 6,600 deaths from flu.
Flu vaccine effectiveness estimates are not available yet this season, but vaccination is always the best way to prevent flu and its potentially serious complications, the CDC says.
Antiviral medications are an important adjunct to flu vaccine in the control of influenza and should be taken within a few days of getting the flu, so individuals should see a doctor if they suspect they may have the flu.
Public health officials are encouraging those 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine. Persons over the age of 65 are strongly encouraged to get the vaccine due to an increased risk of flu-related complications. In recent years, it is estimated that between 70 percent and 85 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths occurred in people age 65 and older.
The vaccine can prevent and reduce the severity of complications from the flu virus, but it takes about two weeks before it is fully effective after receiving the shot.
The Jacksonville locations for the flu clinics are:
- 4855 Town Center Parkway at St. Johns Town Center
- 13249 City Square at River City Marketplace
- 221 Riverside Ave. at Winston Family YMCA
To find the nearest Florida Blue Center offering Flu Shot Clinics this month, visit FloridaBlueCenters.com.