National Influenze Vaccination Week starts Sunday

The week of January 10-16 has been designated as National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW). The observance is designed to encourage all members of the community to get flu shots to protect them through February and March, when flu season typically peaks.

“In addition to practicing preventive precautions, such as frequent hand washing, covering coughs and staying at home when sick, a flu shot is one of the easiest and safest ways for people to protect themselves against H1N1 and the seasonal flu,” said Sandra Park, A.R.N.P., Santa Rosa County Health Department Administrator.

Seasonal flu vaccine is available at the Santa Rosa County Health Department for individuals over the age of 35 months for a $20.00 fee, payable by cash or check only. Medicare will cover the fee for those who are eligible. There is no charge for the H1N1 vaccine, and both the nasal mist and injectable vaccine are on hand.

Along with seasonal flu vaccines, H1N1 vaccinations are still available for all age groups.

Since November, all SRCHD clinic locations have been extending business hours to provide more opportunities for those who want to receive the H1N1 vaccine. Beginning Monday, January 11, clinics in Milton and Midway will open one hour later at 8:00 a.m. Clinic hours in Jay will not change.

H1N1 vaccine drive-through clinics cancelled

The drive-through H1N1 vaccination clinics planned for today, January 9, by the Santa Rosa County Health Department have been cancelled due to inclement weather.  Flyers were distributed last week in Navarre, Milton and Jay advertising the clinics, but cold weather that was predicted for this weekend made it necessary for the health department to change its plans.  The clinics will be rescheduled and announced at a later date.

The H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines are still available at the health department’s three clinic locations in Midway, Milton and Jay.  Those sites will be open Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. 

We’re encouraging everyone who is eligible to get both.”

Clinic locations:

Milton Clinic

5527 Stewart Street

(850) 983-5200

Midway Clinic

5840 Gulf Breeze Highway

(850) 934-4074

Jay Clinic

14122 Alabama Street

(850) 675-4211

For more information call the Santa Rosa County Health Department at (850) 983-5200 or visit www.healthysantarosa.com.