We make it fast, safe, and easy to protect yourself from the flu virus.
Flu may seem familiar, but it can be dangerous and even deadly. Hundreds of thousands are hospitalized with flu each year, and in the worst cases thousands die.
Yearly flu-shots are a safe and effective preventive measure. These vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body a few weeks after the shot, providing protection against the specific viruses they were designed to combat.
How frequently you should get flu-shots?
At Phoenix Medical Centers we usually administer seasonal influenza shots for protection against influenza viruses causing damage during specific seasons.
Flu vaccines are needed every season, mainly because immune protection from shots diminishes over time. Flu viruses are variable and adaptable so flu vaccines need to be constantly updated according to all those factors.
In case of children who need two shots, the vaccination process should start earlier since doses must be taken at least four weeks apart.
At Phoenix Medical Centers, our doctors recommend that every person gets a flu shot in the early fall or by the end of October. According to the CDC, getting vaccinated later “can still be beneficial, and vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu season, even into January or later.”
It takes approximately two weeks for antibodies to develop, so you should get your shot before the flu season begins. Early in the fall is a good time to do it. But getting your shot sooner could leave you vulnerable for the last part of the flu season, so the best advice is to ask your doctor to administer your shot at the right time.
Benefits from seasonal flu-shots
It keeps persons from getting sick with flu and reduces doctor visits.
Reduces the risk of flu-associated hospitalization and intensive care for children and adults.
It has been associated with lower rates of hospitalization for people with chronic health conditions like diabetes, lung diseases, and heart conditions.
Helps protect women during and after pregnancy, but also protects the baby against flu for several months after birth until the required age for vaccination is reached.
Reduces risk of children dying from flu.
Reduces severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick.
Read on to learn more about your eligibility for flu shots.
1
Every person from 6 months of age should get vaccinated to prevent flu, especially those who are at high risk of developing severe complications from the flu, for instance, children with a chronic disease.
2
Persons with severe egg allergy should be vaccinated in a medical facility, supervised by a specialized health care provider in severe allergic reactions.
3
If you have allergies, if you had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), or in case you are not feeling well, you should talk to your doctor and health care provider before getting a flu shot in order to select the best vaccine for your condition.
4
Some vaccines are not recommended for certain groups of people depending on age and allergies to the influenza vaccine or its ingredients.
5
Those people with life-threatening allergies to the vaccine or any component in the vaccine should not get a flu shot.
6
Younger children who are no older than six months are too young to get the shot.
PERSONS THAT SHOULD NOT BE VACCINATED WITH NASAL SPRAY FLU VACCINE
Persons who have taken influenza antiviral drugs within the previous 48 hours.
Pregnant women.
People with severe allergies to flu vaccine or its ingredients.
Persons with weak immune system. Or persons caring for someone with weak immune system, in which case you should avoid contact with them 7 days after the vaccine.
Children younger than 2 years and adults over 50 years.
Children from 2 to 17 years of age whose medications contains aspirin or salicylate.
Children from 2 to 4 years who have asthma, or have had a history of wheezing in the past 12 months.
Phoenix Medical Centers delivers world-class care at your convenience. We provide comprehensive primary care and lab testing in our office or on-site at your Tampa Assisted Living Facility. Our outstanding medical team, in-house lab, flexible scheduling, central location, and transportation service make it easy for you to get the quality care you need.
Transportation Available
Phoenix Medical Centers offers Medicare patients convenient transportation to and from our facilities. We can accommodate people with special needs or disabilities.
24/7 On Call Assistance
At Phoenix Medical Centers, availability and fast response are our hallmarks. For non-emergency care, you can call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Bilingual Doctors & Staff
Phoenix Medical Centers works to eliminate language barriers. Our doctors, nurses, and other staff are sensitive to speakers of other languages and most are fluent in Spanish and English.
Comprehensive Healthcare Services
Phoenix Medical Centers is your one-stop primary care solution, offering comprehensive care in our office or on-site at your assisted living facility.
We accept 5 of the major traditional Medicare insurances, including Aetna and Wellcare. We also accept major commercial insurance services, including Cigna and others.
At Phoenix Medical Centers, our award-winning, board-certified doctors and licensed staff have decades of experience. You can rest assured that you are getting the best possible care.
Phoenix Medical Centers provides our patients with a wide range of medical services so they can improve their quality of life. Feel free to visit our office during business hours at 3645 W. Waters Ave. Tampa, FL 33614