NAPLES, Fla. -- The Collier County Health Department held a free flu clinic for the second weekend in a row. The increased cases of the flu reported by Florida Health led one elderly woman to get the flu shot for the first time in her life.
“I was a bit nervous at my ripe old age and it was a wonderful experience," said Maureen Marotta, the first timer.
Marotta says the amount of news media she's seen the past couple weeks on the risks of getting the flu helped her to conquer her fear and get one for herself.
“They made it proper that you have to take these steps," she explained. “It made me very aware, very aware.”
Florida Health reported "flu activity is high and increased sharply for the third week in a row." They included a reported 82 outbreaks in the past week alone.
Nursing Director at the Collier County Health Department, Cindy Whetshell, says it was important to stock up on more vaccines this week. Especially after running out of vaccines from a packed house last weekend.
"We ordered at the beginning of this week. We have 900 doses of pediatric vaccine and 500 doses of adult vaccine, so we definitely are prepared.”
But this weekend was much slower, with just over 100 vaccines given out in comparison to the 512 given just seven days ago. Whetshell explained that it's still important for everyone to get the shot because of the amount of people one person can come into contact with in their daily lives.
“It’s really important that everyone get the vaccine, because it’s not just about you, it’s about the community," said Whetshell.
Due to a low turnout this weekend, the department says it does not currently have another free flu clinic lined, but will host another if they see a growing need.
