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Flu Vaccinations Still Available, Officials Say

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By CARL ORTH

The Suncoast News

Published: February 14, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - It's not too late to get a flu shot, a Pasco County Health Department official said.

The flu season has been relatively mild so far in Florida, but is expected to increase in the weeks ahead, according to Deanna Krautner, health education and communications coordinator for the agency.

The health department has dispensed about 3,500 flu vaccine shots so far this season, Krautner reports. The flu season can extend into March and April.
Pasco County residents may call their private medical provider for a flu shot appointment, Krautner said.

Or people can call the Pasco County Health Department at 10841 Little Road, New Port Richey, (727) 861-5260; 11511 Denton Ave., Hudson, (727) 863-2444; 13941 15th St., Dade City, (352) 521-1450; 4135 Land O' Lakes Blvd., Land O' Lakes, (813) 558-5173; or 4717 Airport Road, Zephyrhills, (813) 788-6274

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention wants all citizens, especially infants and seniors, to get these much-needed immunizations, local health officials said.

For instance, the CDC recommends all children between ages 6 months and 18 years get inoculated, unless they have a serious egg allergy. The guidelines previously recommended flu shots for children under 5 or those with chronic illnesses such as asthma.

Standard flu shots are good for people of all ages, according to CDC advisories. The nasal vaccine FluMist can be used in healthy people ages 2 to 49.

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