It's time to get your flu shot

School is back in session.

Fall is almost here.

And, as hurricane season whips into full swing, so does flu season.

"Getting your flu shot is one of the most important ways to protect you and your family," Pasco County Health Director David Johnson said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone over the age of 6 months receive a flu shot, and local retailers such as Walgreens, CVS, Publix and Winn-Dixie, as well as the county Health Department, have begun offering them.

Because the 2010-11 flu vaccine will protect against H1N1 (swine flu) and two other seasonal flu viruses, only one flu shot is required this season.

Walgreens officials say flu shots are available at every location in the country.

"We encourage everyone to follow the CDC's recommendations, and with flu shots available during nearly all pharmacy and clinic hours at Walgreens, it's never been easier, never more convenient and never more accessible," Walgreens President Greg Wasson said in a news release.

Flu shots at all Walgreens are $29.99. Most Walgreens will also offer the FluMist Intranasal Spray for $34.99, and Fluzone HD, a higher-dose vaccine, may also be available to those who qualify.

Officials at Winn-Dixie say the grocery store chain began offering the vaccines to walk-ins at all of its in-store pharmacies Wednesday. Customers with Winn-Dixie Customer Reward Cards can get $5 off the $28 flu vaccine. The chain also is offering a new, high-dosage vaccine for people 65 and older for $48 - or $43 with a Customer Reward Card.

Publix grocery stores also are offering flu vaccines for $25, although Medicare Part B is accepted with no co-pay. Publix pharmacies are accepting walk-ins or appointments.

While almost everyone should get a flu vaccine every season, the CDC says it's especially important for the following groups get vaccinated, because of the risk of flu-related complications:

•Pregnant women

•Children younger than 5, and especially children younger than 2

•Adults 50 and older

•People with chronic medical conditions

•Those who live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities

•People who live with or care for those at higher risk for complications from the flu

FLU SHOTS NOW AVAILABLE

Flu shots are being offered for $25 at the following Pasco County Health Department locations:

Dade City

13941 15th St.

Walk-ins are welcome from 7:30 a.m. to 5p.m. Monday to Thursday

To avoid a long wait, make an appointment by calling (352) 521-1450

Hudson

11511 Denton Ave.

Walk-ins are welcome from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday

For information, call (727) 861-5661

Land O' Lakes

4135 Land O' Lakes Blvd.

Walk-ins are welcome from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Tuesday

For information, call (813) 558-5173

New Port Richey

10841 Little Road

Vaccines are offered from 8 a.m. to 5:30p.m. Monday through Friday; appointments are recommended

For information, call (727) 861-5260, Ext. 268

Zephyrhills

4717 Airport Road

Walk-ins are welcome from 7:30 a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Thursday

For information, call (813) 780-0740