Osceola County health workers offer free flu shots

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Right now, we're in the middle of flu season, and at the Osceola County Department of Health, workers gave out 300 free influenza shots on Friday.

Residents like Noemi Perfecto showed up early.

"I came today just to get the flu shot because I have no money to buy it and I know that I have allergies and I didn't want to get sick."

People of all ages dealing with the pain of the needle.  Some doctors call this the worst flu season in decades. Here in Osceola County, health experts say they've seen a 15 percent increase in flu cases.  

"This flu is really hitting people hard, because its gastro flu, it's getting into the gastro system. People need to get that shot if not to protect yourself, but to protect others around you," Osceola Department of Health Assistant Administrator Bret Smith says. 

Experts say it will only get worse if people don't get a flu shot.

"When you look at the statewide numbers there's been a lot of deaths and if people don't get out and get protection those numbers will rise."

Noemi says, "I feel bad because many people died from it and I don't want that to happen to anyone so I'm actually glad that they're giving us opportunity to give us free flu shots."

If you missed Friday's event, organizers say you can still go to any health department and get a free flu shot.