Lee County, FL—The Florida Department of Health in Lee County is joined today by the mayors of Fort Myers and Cape Coral in its campaign to urge everyone over six months old to get their flu vaccine now, before the active flu season begins.

Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson and Cape Coral Mayor Marni Sawicki visited DOH-Lee immunization clinic early this morning to show the public what they do to prevent the flu: get a flu vaccine.

“It’s what I do every year, not just to keep myself healthy but others who can’t get the vaccine,” said Henderson.

“It’s so important,” said Sawicki. “Everyone needs to get the vaccine.”

It is especially important for pregnant women to be vaccinated due to the increased risk of complications associated with contracting the flu while pregnant. The flu vaccination is safe and will protect the mother and the unborn child. It will also help protect babies during their first few months after birth.

Flu vaccine protects other people who cannot defend themselves from influenza, including those younger than 6 months old or too ill to get the vaccine. People who are ill should get their vaccine as soon as they are well. People with heart disease, cancer and asthma are more vulnerable than others, so getting your flu vaccine can help them also.

Flu vaccines available at the DOH-Lee immunizations clinic, 3920 Michigan Avenue, in Fort Myers include high dose for seniors 65 and up, flu shots for children 6 months old through 18 years old and nasal flu mist for children 2 years old through 18 years old. Local pharmacies and health care providers also offer flu vaccines for adults.