Protect your family during flu season
Flu season is almost here – and now is the time for you to plan how to protect yourself and your loved ones from this serious, highly contagious illness. The flu can make you feel miserable, and for some, it can even be life-threatening.
Influenza, better known as the flu, is an infectious respiratory illness that causes fever, congestion, body aches, chills, and fatigue. It is spread through the air by germs, especially when people sneeze and cough in public places.
The flu vaccine is one of the best defenses against contracting the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting vaccinated annually. CDC suggests that you get vaccinated as soon as possible after the flu vaccine becomes available, ideally by October, to ensure that as many people as possible are protected before the season begins. People who fit into the following categories should get the vaccine:
• Anyone 6 months of age and older
• Anyone over 50 years of age
• Women who are pregnant during flu season
• Anyone with long-term health problems such as heart disease, lung disease, asthma, kidney disease, diabetes, and other illnesses
• Anyone with a weakened immune system, such as those living with HIV/AIDS, chronic steroid use, or on chemotherapy
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
• People who live with or care for people at high risk for influenza-related complications – such as healthcare providers, doctors, nurses, and aides
• Caregivers of small children or the elderly
The vaccine can be given two ways: as a shot or a nasal-spray. Both forms of the vaccine have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s best to talk to your primary care physician about which type of vaccine is right for you and your family members.
It is important to know that you can still get the flu even if you received the vaccine. However, your chances are greatly reduced. And contrary to some beliefs, you cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine.
Flu immunizations from Jackson Health System are $25 for cash paying patients and for those whose insurance does not cover the cost of the immunization. No appointment is necessary to get a flu shot at the following Jackson clinics:
Jefferson Reaves, Sr. Health Center
1009 N.W. 5th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136
786-466-4083
Prevention, Education & Treatment (PET) Center
615 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
305-535-5540
Dr. Rafael A. Peñalver Clinic
971 N.W. 2nd Street, Miami, FL 33128
305-585-6000
Rosie Lee Wesley Health Center
6601 S.W. 62nd Avenue, South Miami, FL 33143
786-466-6900
North Dade Medical Center
16555 N.W. 25th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33054
305-585-6000
Jackson Memorial Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) West
1611 N.W. 12th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136
305-585-6000
Jackson Multispecialty Center – North Miami Beach
100 N.W. 170th Street
Suite #410
North Miami Beach, FL 33169
305-654-6850
Jackson Multispecialty Center – Biscayne
3801 Biscayne Blvd.
Suite #230
Miami, FL 33137
786-466-8490
Downtown Medical Center
111 N.W. 1st Street
Stephen P. Clark Building, Suite 110
Miami, FL 33128
786-466-7200
Jackson Multispecialty Center – South Dade
9380 S.W. 150th Street
Suite #210
Miami, FL 33176
305-256-5018