Health Department Schedules Flu Clinics

SEBRING - The Highlands County Health Department is holding flu vaccination clinics for the public at its Sebring office, 7205 S. George Blvd., on the following dates:
Friday, Oct. 26, 1- 4:30 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 29, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 9, 1- 4:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 16, 1- 4:30 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 26, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 29, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

No appointment is necessary for these clinics. The vaccine is free to those with Medicare Part B, and otherwise the fee is $20. A copy of the Medicare card is required for those who want free vaccinations. Those individuals who participate in Medicare HMOs will be asked to pay $20 cash and bill their own insurance.

In addition, the health department is offering the pneumonia vaccine for $33. These shots are also covered under Medicare Part B, but those with Medicare HMOs will be asked to pay cash. The pneumonia vaccine is recommended for all people over 65 as a one-time dose. Those people under 65 with high risk conditions should also receive this vaccine. A second dose is recommended for those over 65 who got their first dose when they were under 65, if five or more years have passed since the first dose.

Annual influenza vaccination is now recommended for persons at high risk for influenza related complications and severe disease, including:
- Children 6-59 months of age
- Pregnant women
- Persons 50 years of age and older
- Persons of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as cardiac or respiratory disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or other debilitating diseases.
- Persons who live with or care for persons at high risk such day care workers.
- Health care workers.
- Residents of long-term care facilities.
- Persons with a weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS or on long-term steroids, cancer treatment with x-ray or medications.

For additional questions, call 863-386-6040, Ext. 204.