Milton, FL – The Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County is now offering flu shots by appointment at the Milton location at 5527 Stewart Street.  The fee is $32.00 and is covered by Medicare, for those who are eligible, as well as some other insurance plans.  Vaccine is also available free of charge for children 6 months through 18 years of age through the Vaccines for Children Program.  The Quadrivalent vaccine offers protection against four strains of the flu.  To make an appointment, call (850) 983-5200, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

The flu shot is one of the easiest and safest ways to protect yourself, and your family, against the flu.  Annual flu vaccines are recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months, especially those with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and heart disease, pregnant women or women who plan to become pregnant, and individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those living with HIV.

Flu symptoms include fever/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue.  Some individuals may also experience vomiting and diarrhea.  Complications from the flu include ear and sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia.  These can be serious and even life threatening. 

In addition to getting a flu shot, DOH-Santa Rosa also recommends the following steps to help prevent the flu: 

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.  If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing alcohol. 

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, or cough or sneeze into your elbow. 

• Stay at home if you are sick, except to seek medical attention, and until free of fever for 24 hours without the aid of fever reducing medications. 

For more information about the flu, go to https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/.

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.