JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Cost should not be the reason you don’t get vaccinated against the flu this year -- that’s the message from the Duval County Medical Society Foundation. While health insurance covers 100% of the cost of a flu shot, those without insurance would have to pay $30 or more out of pocket.
The Duval County Medical Society Foundation started the #FluVaxJax campaign in 2020 to help bridge the gap, so no families go without their yearly flu vaccine. Since the #FluVaxJax initiative began, the campaign has distributed 5,073 vouchers.
REQUEST A NO-COST FLU VACCINE VOUCHER
During last year’s flu season, Dr. Sunil Joshi, the Chief Health Officer for the City of Jacksonville, said there was a peak in flu cases towards the end of December. So, he said, the sooner you can get the flu shot this year the better. Once you get the vaccine, it takes 10 to 14 days to increase immunity and will last for about six months -- which will get people through the upcoming flu season.
RELATED CONTENT: No myths or costs should keep you from getting a flu vaccine | How to best protect every member of your family against the flu
Yes, it’s true, you can still get the flu if you are vaccinated. However, Dr. Joshi says the vaccine is worth it because it can lessen the severity of your symptoms and can reduce your risk of being hospitalized -- or worse.