Say “boo” to the flu at the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County’s (DOH-Pinellas) Flu Boo IV clinic that will provide flu shots at no cost on Wednesday, Oct. 18, in Pinellas Park.

From 5:30 to 8:30 PM (or until supplies last), DOH-Pinellas staff and volunteers will provide flu vaccines at no charge only at its Pinellas Park health department, 6350 76th Ave. N. Participants can remain in their cars while they get their immunization at the drive-through or come inside the building’s clinic area. This is the fourth annual Flu Boo event that DOH-Pinellas has held to provide vaccines at no cost to the community. Vaccines will be provided to children older than 3 and adults only.

Yearly flu vaccines are recommended for anyone older than six months of age, but they’re especially important for seniors, pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions. This season’s vaccines have been updated to better match circulating viruses.

In addition to maintaining good health habits and washing your hands with soap and water, a yearly flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from influenza. Vaccination can reduce flu illnesses if you do get sick, which can mean less time lost at work or in school.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for protection to set in, so late October is a good time to get immunized before holiday gatherings in November and December.

DOH-Pinellas also provides the flu vaccine for a fee at its centers, as do many other locations in the county.

For information about DOH-Pinellas, go to www.PinellasHealth.com or call (727) 824-6900. Follow us on Twitter @HealthyPinellas.

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 Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.