A recent flu shot clinic should lead to several hundred healthier residents.
A total of 189 individuals received free flu shots at the Florida Department of Health in Marion County’s drive-through flu shot clinic on Saturday, Feb. 10.
Health officials have been concerned about the increase in local flu numbers. An average of 57 individuals have been going to local emergency rooms each day in recent weeks due to the flu. The department held the drive-through clinic to help reduce the flu’s impact on area residents. The flu shot is a key part of preventing the flu along with practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing.
People who weren’t able to come to the drive-through clinic still have the opportunity to get a free flu shot at a close-by location. The department will continue to offer the flu shot for free during normal business hours at the department’s Ocala office (1801 SE 32nd Ave.) and aboard the Mobile Health Unit bus. The bus will be at the following locations in the weeks ahead:
•  Feb. 17: Crossroads Church (8070 SW 60th Ave., Ocala) from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m.
•  Feb. 24: Ocala Ministry Church (489 NW 110th Ave., Ocala) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
•  Mar. 2: Marion Oaks Community Center (280 Marion Oaks Lane, Ocala) from 8 a.m. to
2 p.m.
•  Mar. 3: Forest Community Center (777 S. Highway 314A, Ocklawaha) from 8 a.m. to 1
p.m.
•  Mar. 10: Florida Highlands Baptist Church (10891 SW 155th St., Dunnellon) from 7 a.m.
to noon
•  Mar. 24: Ocala Ministry Church (489 NW 110th Ave., Ocala) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The department will offer other immunizations in addition to the flu shot (and other services as available) aboard the bus. Schedule and services are subject to change. For the most current list of Mobile Health Unit dates, locations, and services, visit Marion.FloridaHealth.gov.
