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The Florida Department of Health in Orange County encourages all Floridians to keep vaccine between you and disease by getting a flu shot ahead of the 2019 flu season. Floridians should get the flu vaccine to protect against infection and help prevent the spread of seasonal flu to others. It has never been easier, and it's never too late to get your flu shot!

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The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older, including pregnant women. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop protection against the flu.

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Here are tips to prevent the spread of seasonal flu:

• practice good hygiene by properly and frequently washing your hands with soap and water
• make it a habit to clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces in your home, school or office
• take additional steps to ward off the flu by coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow and avoiding touching your face
• if you are sick, stay at home to mitigate the transmission of the virus

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Receiving your flu vaccination if you are healthy helps to prevent illness in our most vulnerable populations. People at higher risk for flu-related complications include children ages newborn to five, adults over the age of 65, pregnant women and people who have existing medical conditions such as asthma.

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Check with your physician, your county health department, or use our Flu Shot Locator to schedule your flu vaccine. Visit FluFreeFlorida.com for more information on how you can be a part of #FluFreeFL.