TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Suncoast Pasco News

Flu Shots Still Available For 2009 Season

ADVERTISEMENT

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 call the Health Department's New Port Richey clinic, 10841 Little Road, 727-861-5260, or the Hudson clinic, 11511 Denton Ave., 727-863-2444.

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

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.

Carl Orth can be reached at 727-815-1068 or corth@suncoastnews.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT