The number of H1N1 (swine) flu cases continues to rise at college campuses across the US, and seasonal flu is looming close behind. So, the University of Central Florida, Centra Care, UCF Student Government Association and Get Healthy Florida have united to protect thousands of UCF students, staff & faculty members, and the surrounding community against the seasonal flu.

The first 500 adults (age 18 and older) and first 500 children (age 17 and younger) will receive their flu vaccination for FREE. Additionally,1,500 students of financial need will receive their shot for free. Thereafter, vaccines will be given at a deeply discounted rate of $10 for all students (student I.D. required) and $20 for everyone else.

Seasonal flu can pose great risks on its own, but Centra Care’s Scott Brady,MD says the danger escalates if you contract both Seasonal and H1N1 influenza viruses and strongly recommends an annual, seasonal flu shot, as well as the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. “BOTH Seasonal & H1N1 viruses will be around this Fall - and it’s very possible to be infected with BOTH at the same time. When this happens, your chances for complications greatly increases," says Dr.Brady.

WHERE: Inside UCF Arena
**Free Parking in Garages D & F; and, shuttle parking from Parking Lots E6 & E7
(see www.centracare.org for maps & directions)

WHEN: Wednesday, September 30, 2009
NOON – 7PM -- Flu shots are First Come, First Served, while supplies last

Additional Fast & Free Seasonal Flu Shot dates listed in previous posting. More dates to be announced soon.

Florida Hospital Centra Care and Get Healthy Florida are announcing the first 2 dates for their Fast & Free Flu Shot community events. Following CDC guidelines for an earlier than usual start to influenza vaccine administration, Centra Care and Get Healthy Florida will be offering thousands of fast & free seasonal flu shots in September.

The flu vaccine at these events is for SEASONAL INFLUENZA ONLY. The H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine WILL NOT be available at these event dates.

The single best way to avoid the flu is to get a flu shot. You can get your family vaccinated FREE this year at one of the following Fast & Free Flu Shot events:

2009 - Fast & Free Flu Shot Dates: (No reservations: First Come, First Served, while supplies last)

Wednesday, September 23rd -- 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Centra Care at Winter Garden Village
3005 Daniels Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787

Tuesday, September 29th -- 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Hunter’s Creek Centra Care
3293 Greenwald Way North, Kissimmee, FL 34741

There will be 2500 FREE Flu Shots given at each of these events. Shots in excess of 2500 will be available on these dates, at the event location for $20 each ($5 off the standard price).

Anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu should get vaccinated; however, there are certain people who are at HIGH risk for Influenza complications, so it is especially important that they get vaccinated:
o Pregnant women
o Children 6 months to their 18 years old
o Adults> 50 years of age
o People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions: Heart, Lung, Kidney Disease
o Residents of long-term care facilities
o People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
-Household contacts of persons at high risk, and
-Household contacts & caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

There are some people who should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician. These include:
o People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
o People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination.
o People who have had Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)
o Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group), and
o People who have a Fever

It can't be reiterated enough. With flu season just around the corner and the current threat of H1N1 (swine) flu, it is extremely important to practice frequent hand washing, and to avoid putting hands near anyone's face, or your own face without first having properly washed your hands. A quick rinse under the tap WON'T do the trick to rid yourself of viruses that may be on your hands. Here's a reminder on how to properly wash your hands:

Hand Washing How-To:

* Wet hands with warm, clean running water and apply soap.
* Rub hands together to make a lather and scrub all surfaces.
* Continue rubbing hands for 20 seconds. (About the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday"
twice!)
* Rinse hands well under running water
* Dry hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use the paper towel to turn off the
faucet

If soap and water aren’t available, use alcohol-based gel to clean hands.
Here’s How:
* Apply product to the palm of one hand
* Rub hands together
* Rub the product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry.

Thanks for visiting the Get Healthy Florida Blog site. Our goal for the site is to be a local source of information regarding influenza, and specifically H1N1. Please come back often for updates or subscribe to the RSS feed to be alerted to updates.

Best Regards,
The Get Healthy Florida Team