Adult Immunization Information

• Hours, Locations and What to Bring
• Programs and Services Offered
• TB Tests for Work or School
• The Pneumococcal Vaccination
• Recommended shots for Adults
• Seasonal Flu (Influenza) Information
• Links to Flu Information and Resources

1. Hours, Locations and What to Bring

• Adult immunizations are given at walk-in clinics. Please call 904-875-6100, Clinical services for more information about times and cost.
• Bring a picture id.
• Bring all immunization records with you.
  • Advise the nurse of all allergies, adverse reactions to medical or immunization procedures or pregnancy
  • Link for more information on immunization for adults and youth: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/

2. Programs and Services Offered

If you have insurance:

• For those with insurance we offer limited vaccine at cost. Those vaccines include: Tetanus, Tdap (Tetanus and Pertussis), Flu, Hepatitis B and Pneumovax.
• Payment is cash, check with I.D. or by credit card.
• We will provide a receipt so that you may file with your insurance company.

If you do not have insurance:

• We have a program that provide limited vaccine at no cost. Those vaccines include: Gardasil for HPV, Menectra for meningitis, Pneumovax, Tdap, and Varivax for chickenpox.

For adults needing immunizations we do not carry please contact DOH-Duval County Immunization Center at 904-253-1420.

For those traveling outside the country and needing immunizations please call DOH-Duval at 904-253-1740.

3. TB Tests for Work or School

Our Yulee, Fernandina and Callahan Clinic sites all perform TB screening and skin testing if needed. Skin tests are not performed on Thursdays because of the need to return to have the results read by a nurse within 48-72 hours.

The total cost for a TB Screen includes a cost for the TB Skin Test and a cost for the visit. The cost for the TB Skin Test is a flat fee and the visit cost is based on a sliding fee scale.

Please call any of our clinics for information on TB Screening current cost and when you can obtain the screen.

4. The Pneumococcal Vaccination

The Pneumococcal vaccination is commonly referred to as the “pneumonia shot”, but does not actually prevent a person from getting pneumonia. The vaccination protects you from getting a serious infection in your blood or brain that can cause dangerous health problems, hospitalization or death.

Pneumococcal vaccine is very good at preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and death. However it is not guaranteed to prevent all symptoms in all people.

Over seven million pneumococcal infections occur in the United States annually. About 40,000 Americans die annually from pneumococcal infections, a total which makes the pneumococcus the most lethal bacterium in the United States. For unclear reasons the pneumococcus causes serious illness more frequently in blacks and Native Americans.

Once a local infection develops, pneumococci can multiply and invade the blood stream, resulting in a very serious condition known as bacteremia or blood stream infection. Pneumococci which have invaded the blood stream can then spread to other locations in the body, such as the coverings of the brain and spinal cord.

Who should get the pneumococcal shot?

• People age 65 or older
• People who have problems with their:
  • lungs
  • heart
  • liver
  • kidneys
• People with health problems like:
  • diabetes
  • sickle cell disease
  • alcoholism
  • HIV/AIDS

Will the shot make me sick?

The shot is very safe and does not make you sick. Some people get a little swelling and soreness where they get the shot. This usually goes away in a day or two.

When can I get the pneumococcal shot?

You can get the shot at any time of the year.

How many times do I have to get a shot?

Most people only need ONE shot. This protects them for a lifetime. Some people might need to get a booster shot after 5 years

For more information visit the CDC website at Pneumococcal (Pneumonia) vaccination

5. Recommended shots for Adults

Please visit the CDCs website for more information.

6. Seasonal Flu (Influenza) Information

Definition: Influenza or "flu" is an infection of the respiratory tract that can affect millions of people every year. It is highly contagious and occurs mainly in the late fall, winter, or early spring. Influenza is spread from person-to-person through mists or sprays of infectious respiratory secretions caused by coughing and sneezing. Influenza affects all age groups and causes moderate to severe illness, with complications such as pneumonia, hospitalization, and death. Each year about 36,000 Americans die because of influenza or influenza related pneumonia. Over 90% of the deaths occur in persons aged 65 years and older. Pneumonia and influenza together are the 6th most common cause of death in the United States.

Symptoms: Influenza is an illness which is different from, and usually much more severe than, the "common cold." It takes about 1-2 days from the time of exposure to the virus to the development of symptoms. Common symptoms include sudden fever, often as high as 104° F, with shaking chills, moderate or severe muscle and joint aches and pains, sweating, a dry cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and headache. In addition, people infected with influenza complain of moderate or severe malaise and fatigue. Illness can last for up to 1-2 weeks, although fever generally lasts only 3-8 days.

Vaccination: The best way to protect you from influenza is to receive an annual flu immunization. The influenza vaccine is an inactivated (killed) viral vaccine. The influenza vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine. You cannot get influenza by receiving an influenza shot with the inactivated vaccine. As with almost any type of medication or medical procedure, there may be side effects of the vaccine. The most common type of side effect is soreness at the injection site. Soreness can last up to two days, is mild, and rarely will impair daily activities.

Who Should Not Get the Influenza Vaccine: You should avoid the influenza vaccination and talk to your physician if you are considering influenza vaccination and you have or have had: An allergic reaction to chicken eggs, (welts, tongue swelling, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, etc.), or a previous serious reaction to an influenza shot, or a rare paralytic disorder called Guillain-Barre Syndrome which was thought caused by a previous flu shot, or an acute illness with fever.

How to avoid getting the flu virus: Wash hands regularly and thoroughly, avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth. Don't share eating utensils, drinks, towels or other items. Avoid crowds where people may spread the virus. If you are sick, stay home. Get your annual flu shot.

7. Links to Flu Information and Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Resources

  • https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm

  • https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/everyday_preventive.pdf

  • https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/general/f_universal_you_print.pdf

  • https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/take3-poster.pdf

• Flu Guide for Parents

• Health Care Poster

• Make it your business to fight the flu