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High Demand for Free Flu Shots in Orange County


January 30th, 2014 | WMFE, Orlando- High demand for free flu shots left some Orange county residents without vaccinations Thursday morning.

[Waiting for a free flu shot. Photo- Alicia Mandigo, WMFE]

The Orange County Health Department made free flu shots available at Barnett Park near the Fairgrounds from 10am to 1pm.

But health department spokesman Dain Weister says people were already lined up when they arrived, so all 100 doses were all spoken for shortly after the event began:

“And so we’ve had to turn some people away," says Weister.

"I’d say about 20-30 people extra that have been coming in looking for the vaccine and so we’re referring them over to our event tomorrow and there’s one on Monday”

One of those turned away was Eddie Banks.

At 11:00, Banks was just too late for a shot.

“I didn’t know there was going to be a limit on it, and I understand there is, so they are probably out, I understand they are out of shots,” says Banks.

Health Department Spokesman Dain Weister says 100 doses will also be available at the next two events.

 “These flu shot events are specifically for those folks who cannot afford it, who don’t have insurance, we’re taking care of the most vulnerable and needy with these events," he says.

Friday’s event is also from 10am to 1pm at the Renaissance Senior Center on South Econlockhatchee Trail.

Again, there will be 100 doses available on a first come, first serve basis, but Weister says you can always get flu shots at the health department and many area pharmacies.

Health officials say this year has brought a higher number of severe cases, but not an increase in flu overall.

 

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