Flu Vaccine Information
Watson Clinic Flu Information Line: 863-680-7FLU (7358)
Seasonal Flu Update:
The centralized flu vaccination areas are no longer in operation. If you are a Watson Clinic patient and wish to receive your flu immunization at any Watson Clinic location, you may do so by scheduling an appointment with your physician. Pediatric flu vaccinations may be obtained from your pediatrician’s office with an appointment.
Pneumovax vaccines are also available at your physician's office for patients ages 65 years or older who have not received the vaccination in prior years.
Please note:
Vaccinations are recommended between September and November as flu activity in the United States generally peaks between late December and early March.
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that causes mild to severe illness, and in some situations, can lead to death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that the best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each fall. Certain populations are at increased risk for flu complications including older people, young children and people with certain health conditions.
Flu immunizations are now available for Watson Clinic patients through their primary care provider and at our centralized clinic locations. No vaccine shortages are expected this year.
If you have contracted the flu, you should strictly follow your physician’s recommendations. Patients should also make the nurse or physician aware if they are on Coumadin medication.
Patients with the following conditions should consult with their physician prior to receiving the seasonal flu vaccine:
- Women who are pregnant.
- Individuals with a known allergy to chicken, chicken eggs, chicken feathers, dander or Thimerosol (a mercury derivative preservative)
- Individuals who have ever had a reaction to a prior flu vaccine
- Individuals who have an active neurologic disorder
- or patients currently experiencing fever, acute respiratory or other active infection or illness
In order to stay healthy, we recommend you do the following:
- When you sneeze or cough, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when possible and dispose of these tissues promptly
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or with an alcohol-based cleaner
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as this promotes the spread of germs
- Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Get plenty of sleep, eat nutritious food and drink fluids
The Centers for Disease Control recommend staying home from work or school if you experience flu-like symptoms.
If you experience flu symptoms, you may want to contact your doctor's office to determine if influenza testing or treatment may be needed. You should seek emergency care if you experience the following:
Shortness of breath, sudden dizziness, confusion, and severe or consistent vomiting. In children, seek emergency care if they experience trouble breathing, bluish skin color, lack of interaction or irritability, and a fever with a rash or severe flu-like symptoms.
For more information from the Centers for Disease Control, please visit their website at
www.cdc.gov.
Patients requiring more information are encouraged to consult their physician, or call the Flu Information Line at 863-680-7FLU (7358).
We will keep you updated on a frequent basis as new information becomes available.