The Florida Department of Health in Bay County (DOH-Bay) is urging residents to contact their healthcare provider or pharmacy to get vaccinated against the flu as soon as possible. Once vaccinated, it takes about two weeks to offer protection.

“Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the influenza virus”, said Sandon S. Speedlling, MHS, CPM, CPH, Administrator and Health Officer, DOH-Bay. “DOH-Bay expects our shipment soon, but we encourage you to get the vaccine from your pharmacy or provider as well.”

Getting the flu shot each year is important but reducing illness and hospitalization from flu is even more critical this year to protect frontline health care workers and hospital systems who will continue to care for people with COVID-19 and other illnesses. Also, having the flu and COVID-19 at the same time could lead to a negative outcome.

The flu and COVID-19 are respiratory illnesses, but until there is a steady vaccine supply against COVID-19, the way to help prevent these two viruses from circulating at the same time is to get your flu vaccine now.

Additionally, there will be less spread of the flu and COVID-19 if everyone continues to:

• Stay home if you’re sick
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly
• Wear a face covering when around others or if social distancing isn’t possible

Lives are saved when less virus is circulating.

To learn more about the flu, visit the following:

• General flu information- cdc.gov/flu.
• People at high risk for complications- cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/index.htm.
• Flu vaccine safety- cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/vaccinesafety.htm.
• VaccineFinder.org- www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/index.html.

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About the Florida Department of Health 

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.