Flu Season Is Here: Flu Shots Now Available at Both Locations

Flu Season Is Here: Flu Shots Now Available at Both Locations

Flu vaccines are in stock and available now at both our Longwood and Apopka offices, for every patient 6 months of age and older. Here’s what to know about timing, what the visit looks like, and how to get one scheduled.

Why now

The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, ideally by the end of October, before flu activity picks up in the community. Flu season in Florida typically runs from fall through spring, with activity often building through the winter months — so earlier is better than later, but a shot any time flu is circulating still helps.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for full protection to build up, which is the main reason to get it done early rather than waiting until flu is already going around your child’s school or daycare.

Who should get one

Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year, with a few groups where it matters even more:

• Infants and toddlers, who are more likely to be hospitalized with flu complications
• Children with asthma or other chronic respiratory or heart conditions
• Kids with weakened immune systems
• Anyone in a household with a baby under 6 months old, who is too young to be vaccinated themselves and depends on the people around them for protection

Children younger than 9 who are getting a flu vaccine for the first time, or who have only had one dose total in previous seasons, need two doses spaced at least 4 weeks apart. Everyone else needs one dose per season. If you’re not sure which applies to your child, we can check their vaccine history at the visit.

What to expect

The flu shot is a routine part of a well-child visit or a standalone immunization visit — no separate physical exam is required just to get the vaccine. Most kids tolerate it well; a sore arm and mild fatigue for a day are the most common side effects. The vaccine cannot give your child the flu.

We carry the injectable flu vaccine for patients 6 months and up. If your child has an egg allergy or has had a reaction to a flu vaccine before, let our team know when scheduling so we can plan accordingly.

Where to get it

Flu shots are available now at both offices:

• Longwood — 1400 W State Road 434, Ste 1010, Longwood, FL 32750 · directions & hours
• Apopka — 1023 W Orange Blossom Trail, Apopka, FL · directions & hours

Walk-ins for vaccine-only visits may be limited depending on the day — scheduling ahead is the most reliable way to get in and out quickly.

Scheduling

You can book a flu shot visit online or by phone at either location.

If you have questions about timing, dosing for a younger child, or whether the flu vaccine is right for a child with a specific health condition, contact us and we’ll walk you through it.