Flu Vaccine Information
Watson Clinic Flu Information Line: 863-680-7FLU (7358)
Seasonal Flu Vaccine Update:
The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated. Watson Clinic patients can get their flu vaccine starting Monday, September 8 at one of the following Flu Clinic locations:
Walk-ins are welcome at all Flu Clinic locations. Appointments may be scheduled by phone for the Watson Clinic Main and Watson Clinic South locations only by calling 863-680-7190. Appointments may also be scheduled through the
MyChart patient portal.
Our Flu Clinic locations will also provide the following:
- The High Dose Flu vaccine will be available for patients 65 years of age and older.
- The Flublok vaccine will be administered exclusively at Watson Clinic’s Nurse Clinic Main and Highlands locations and is only available by physician referral. This vaccine is intended for adults 18 years and older with severe egg allergies.
- The Pfizer Comirnaty COVID vaccine will be administered when released from the manufacturer. The FDA recommends this vaccine for patients who are 65 years of age and older, or patients under the age of 65 who are immunocompromised or have high-risk health conditions.
- The Shingrix vaccine will be available for protection against shingles. This FDA-approved two-dose vaccine series is recommended for patients 50 years of age and older. Shingrix is only available at our Main, Highlands and South Flu Clinic locations.
- The pneumococcal vaccine for the prevention of pneumonia, meningitis and infections of the bloodstream is available at our Nurse Clinic locations by physician referral only.
Please note that Watson Clinic Pediatric patients who prefer to receive the Flu Mist version of the vaccine may do so during a regularly scheduled appointment.
If a patient does not receive their flu vaccine during one of these Flu Clinics, they may do so during a regularly scheduled appointment with their Watson Clinic primary care physician at most locations.
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.
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:
- You are pregnant
- You are allergic to chicken, chicken eggs, chicken feathers, chicken dander or Thimerosol (a mercury derivative preservative)
- You have ever had a reaction to a prior flu vaccine
- You have an active neurologic disorder
- You have a fever, acute respiratory or other infection or illness
- Have received another type of vaccine during the past 14 days other than the influenza (flu) vaccine.
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.