COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are now available, by appointment only, in Osceola County at the Florida Department of Health. Those interested in scheduling an appointment may call the FDOH-Osceola call center at 407-552-0120.
Those eligible, according to the CDC, are those who got their initial vaccine battery at least six months ago, and:
Those aged 65 and older and residents in long-term care settings;
Those aged 50–64 with underlying medical conditions;
Those aged 18-49 who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting, such as health care workers, first responders, and other essential workers.
“Many of the people who are now eligible to receive a booster shot received their initial vaccine early in the vaccination effort and will benefit from additional protection,” said Jeremy Lanier, Osceola County Health Department spokesperson. “With the Delta variant’s dominance as the circulating strain of the COVID-19 virus, a booster shot can help strengthen protection against severe disease in those populations who are at high-risk for exposure to COVID-19 or the complications from severe disease.”
And now that we’re heading toward winter – stop snickering in your shorts and sandals as you sweat in the Florida sun – getting a flu shot should also be a priority. With most people isolating and wearing masks in 2020, flu cases were dramatically decreased last year, but as mask mandates ease and society returning to something closer resembling normal, so should the number of influenza cases.
Free flu shots are available by appointment at the health department for children and adults with no insurance. There is a $35 cost for all others. An upcoming free flu shot event for everyone will be held at the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County's main campus on Fortune Road Oct. 18-22. Appointments can be made by calling 407-343-2000.
According to the CDC, flu activity often begins to increase in October, peaks between December and February, and can linger into May. Viruses the flu and COVID-19 can be killed outside the body using soap and warm water, commercial disinfectants, and hand sanitizers that contain alcohol.
