Flu shots now available at Walgreens, Publix

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fl. (WOFL FOX 35) - Stores like Walgreens and Publix already have signs up to let people know that the flu shot is available. It may seem early – but doctors say the time has come to prepare.  

“Basically, the CDC wants us to start giving flu shots when flu shots are available,” said Dr. Tim Hendrix of Centra Care. 
 
Dr. Hendrix says the latest you should get the flu shot is by the end of October. 
 
Central Florida dealt with a pretty bad flu season last year, and Hendrix says when the flu strikes this time around is hard to predict.  
 
“I’ve seen the season start as early as November and I’ve seen it starting as late as March,” he explained. 
 
Hendrix says there are several flu shots available that cover different strains – so you should talk to your doctor about which one to get. 
 
“Hopefully, we’ve learned our lesson from the virus that was circulating last year in terms of the manufacturers so we’ve adjusted for the effectiveness of the vaccine,” Hendrix said. 
 
In terms of which strains of the virus will get the most people sick – he says it’s too early to tell.