Cost should not be the reason you don’t get vaccinated against the flu this year. Those without health insurance can get a voucher for a free shot.

It’s cold and flu season and most of us will encounter a virus at some point. So, how does our immune system work to keep us healthy?

No myths or costs should keep you from getting your yearly flu vaccine. That’s the message from the #FluVaxJax campaign which is encouraging everyone who is able to get vaccinated against the flu to do so.

Cost should not be the reason you don’t get vaccinated against the flu this year. Those without health insurance can get a voucher for a free shot.

The number of pediatric flu deaths is estimated to be nearly 200 per season – about a quarter are in kids under five. Also at high risk are children with underlying brain conditions that can trigger neuropsychiatric events, some as serious as suicide.

As we head into the respiratory virus season, taking advantage of the protection vaccines offer is crucial.

We could see an uptick in flu cases in the weeks ahead, and doctors say now is a great time for those 6 months and older to get vaccinated.

The #FluVaxJax campaign has officially launched! It’s the fourth year News4JAX has partnered with the Duval County Medical Society Foundation for this community-wide initiative.

The flu shot campaign called #FluVaxJax is coming soon and you'll need to pre-register to get a vaccine.

Emergency Room overcrowding has been a health care problem for years, but now, health experts say it is reaching crisis levels.

Flu hospitalizations are the highest they have been in 10 years, and the Southeast U.S. is being hit particularly hard with more than 2,000 patients hospitalized.

If you are uninsured, you can request a voucher.

With the surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and the upcoming flu season looming, there’s a renewed push to keep flu patients out of the hospital.

The flu has already reached Duval County. Now is the time to protect your family. The Duval County Health Department offers free flu vaccines to children 18 years and younger. You do not have to have insurance to receive the shots for free.

As COVID-19 continues to spread across the United States, physicians are issuing a reminder about flu season. They want to make sure people are taking the right step to protect themselves.

Health officials say it’s OK to get your COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine at the same time.

With the surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and the upcoming flu season looming, there’s a renewed push to keep flu patients out of the hospital.

What questions do you have about flu season, the vaccines available and where you can get vaccinated?

A lag in routine school immunizations is threatening a smooth start to the school year and risking children’s health.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As we head into winter, one of the biggest concerns is the collision between seasonal flu and the coronavirus. No one likes to get a shot, but getting vaccinated against the seasonal flu is vital. “It is critically important to get the flu vaccine this year as much as any other year, mainly because we want to keep people out of the hospital,” Joshi said. And that’s, ultimately, the goal, is to not let that happen.”If you start getting flu-like symptoms, you might not know if you have the flu or if you have COVID-19. “For these folks, getting the flu vaccine may be cost-prohibitive, and so we want to minimize that as much as possible,” he said.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Duval schools is teaming up with the Department of Health (DOH) to set up in-school flu immunization clinics at schools beginning Nov. 30, according to Duval County Public Schools. Each weekday, between Nov. 30 and Dec. 18, DOH medical professionals will set up a clinic at different schools for a set number of hours. Participation is not mandatory, and only children who have a signed consent form from their parent will be eligible for a flu vaccine. For parents and guardians, who are un-insured and in need of a flu vaccination, please fluvaxjax.com and select “Get a Vaccine” and then “Click Here” to get a no-cost flu vaccine voucher through the #FluVaxJax program. More information is available on this Flu Vaccine Fact Sheet for children from the Duval County Medical Society.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Public health experts and hospital administrators are watching hospital bed capacity even closer as COVID-19 cases rise and flu season beginning. There are 75 people hospitalized with COVID-19 between all five Baptist Health hospitals, with seven patients in the ICU. The added threat of flu season this year prompted the creation of FluVaxJax, which is pushing to increase the number of adult influenza vaccinations to keep people healthy and ensure local hospitals aren’t overwhelmed. Joshi said he doesn’t want a recently announced COVID vaccine to overshadow concerns about the flu. People forget about the importance of the flu vaccine, in particular the COVID vaccine, which will be coming out in the coming months.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Starting Monday, the city of Jacksonville and Logistics Health Inc. will provide free flu vaccinations to Duval County residents and city employees. The flu shots will be given Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at these locations:Lane Wiley Senior Center, 6710 Wiley RoadMandarin Senior Center, 3848 Hartley RoadChildren must be at least 9 years old to receive a free flu shot at either location. Safety measures will be in place at both locations and flu shots will be administered separately from COVID-19 testing. So far, flu season appears to be mild, but health experts are voicing their concerns about the possibility of a “twindemic"-- where flu season would collide with the fight against COVID-19. On Sunday, 10,105 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Florida, more than 500 of them were in Jacksonville, according to the state’s Department of Health.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever to do everything possible to reduce the spread of influenza by getting a flu shot. And even if you do get the flu, you’re less likely to become very sick or need to be hospitalized after getting a flu shot. You can get a flu shot at your local pharmacy in just a few minutes. And if you have a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, get your doctor’s OK before you get a flu shot. To find a place to get a flu shot, including upcoming clinics or for the uninsured to request a free flu shot, go to https://www.dcmsonline.org/page/GetVaccinated.

So, what can you do to best protect your children from COVID this flu season? “It’s not only to protect ourselves, it’s to protect the people around us that we care about,” Alexander said. The flu vaccine doesn’t prevent COVID, so there’s still the need for children to be socially distant. Alexander suggests getting a flu shot at the first opportunity possible. Kids can start getting a flu shot at 6 months old.

There’s one more reason to get a flu shot this year. Recent research suggests getting a flu vaccine does not increase risk for COVID-19. They analyzed data from over 13,000 COVID-19 tests and compared people who had received a flu vaccine, to those who had not. Flu vaccine didn’t appear to offer any protection against coronavirus, either. He said it will be important to continue collecting data this year as people will receive the flu vaccine at the same time as COVID-19 is circulating.

Howard said it’s important that parents remain calm when their child gets a shot. Mom and dad should not show a look of worry -- or fear -- on their faces because a child could react negatively to that. “It’s OK to be scared,” Howard said. “So I just tell them, ‘It’s OK to cry.’ Parents will tell them, ‘Don’t cry. Be brave.’ Of course, be brave, but crying sometimes involves being brave.”Another tip: Howard said it’s best not to wait until they’re walking into the doctor’s office to let your child know they’re getting a shot.

GLYNN COUNTY, Ga. – It’s unknown what kind of impact COVID-19 will have on the flu season, so health officials say getting vaccinated against the flu this year is more important than ever. That’s why the Glynn County Health Department will hold drive-thru flu vaccination clinics from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Oct. 8 and 15. Both will take place at the health department, located at 2747 Fourth Street, and no appointment is necessary. Flu vaccinations are also available at the health department by appointment during regular hours. Everyone entering the health department over age 2 will be screened for COVID-19 and must wear a face mask.

As we’re all anxiously awaiting a vaccine for the coronavirus, don’t forget about getting your flu vaccine. But this year, how will you know if you have the flu or COVID-19? You might also wonder: how will I know if it’s COVID or the flu? COVID and the flu have similar symptoms, but the COVID-19 virus often causes a loss of taste or smell. Experts say it’s possible and some are wondering if the flu vaccine will protect them against COVID-19.

COVID-19 and influenza are difficult to tell apart. They’re both deadly respiratory diseases with similar symptoms — but there are a few important differences, according to Susan Rehm, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Rehm recommends calling your healthcare provider within the first day or two of illness for maximum impact with flu antivirals. She notes that several antivirals are being studied for COVID-19, but they’re not available for use at home. Another difference between flu and coronavirus is that we have a vaccine to help prevent influenza.

A flu vaccine is administered to National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) staff members in Bethesda, Md., on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020. (AP Photo/Federica Narancio)October is prime time for flu vaccinations, and the U.S. and Europe are gearing up for what experts hope is high demand as countries seek to avoid a “twindemic” with COVID-19. Be patient: Flu vaccine ships gradually. France has ordered 30% more flu vaccine than last year, with first shots given to the high risk as inoculations begin later this month. Italy also lowered the threshold — from age 65 to 60 — for receiving the flu vaccine free of charge.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Saying the need for the flu vaccine is as “great as ever” during the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Medical Association on Wednesday encouraged flu shots for everyone 6 months old and older. “The location or office might look different, but the need for the flu vaccine is as great as ever.”The AMA statement mirrors recommendations issued by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in August. Florida Medical Association Chief Executive Officer Tim Stapleton also issued a statement Wednesday encouraging residents to get flu shots. “Physicians and medical professionals have the resources and multiple venues to provide these vaccinations and encourage patients to protect themselves from the flu,” Stapleton said in a prepared statement. Flu shots are available at pharmacies, physicians' offices and clinics.

With flu season fast approaching, doctors want to make sure children are vaccinated, especially since we’re also dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. If your little ones are learning remotely, you might think a flu shot isn’t necessary this year — but that’s not the case. “Just because your child is learning remotely doesn’t mean influenza is moving remotely. Esper said flu season is inevitable but he hopes it won’t be as bad — mainly because people are already following social distancing guidelines and wearing masks due to the coronavirus. As for how effective this year’s flu shot will be, he said only time will tell, but regardless, it’s still better to have some protection than none at all.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Don’t put off getting your flu vaccine this year -- that’s the message from the Florida Health Department and Duval County as the #FluVaxJax campaign continues. Winn-Dixie, in partnership with Duval County Public Schools and Florida Blue, will offer free flu vaccines for all county teachers and other DCPS employees at a drive-up clinic from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone six months and older get a flu vaccine every year. Winn-Dixie pharmacists will administer the free flu vaccines to DCPS employees and any family member 18 and over along with retired DCPS educators, while supplies last. To receive a free regular or high-dose (age 65 and over) flu vaccine, DCPS employees must show their valid employee ID.

How can I tell the difference between the flu and COVID-19? Another difference: COVID-19 is more likely than the flu to cause a loss of taste or smell. Both the flu and coronavirus spread through droplets from the nose and mouth. These “superspreader events” are more common with COVID-19 than flu, Solomon said. Preventing the flu starts with an annual flu shot tailored to the strains of the flu virus that are circulating.

Elderberry is becoming a popular natural remedy during cold and flu season – but does it work? One recent study examines whether elderberry extract decreases severity and duration of the flu. They took elderberry extract or placebo for five days -- some also took other prescription flu treatments. People who received elderberry and no other flu treatment actually had moderate-to-severe symptoms two days longer on average, than people taking only placebo. “It’s important to emphasize that right now we don’t have anything to treat the flu that works wonderfully well,” said Macknin.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In an effort to reduce the impact of the seasonal flu and to save you time, the North Florida and South Georgia Veterans Health System is establishing drive-thru and walk-up flu vaccination clinics. Unless otherwise noted, locations will begin offering vaccines on Monday, Sept. 21. Veterans may also choose from more than 60,000 community locations to get a no-cost flu vaccine. Visit va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/flushot.asp to find a current in-network location near you. Veterans can call leave a message, to report if they received a flu vaccination outside the VA and it will be charted in their medical records.

Each year the flu kills thousands of people, but the good news is there’s a vaccine to help prevent it. Susan Rehm, M.D., an infectious disease expert at Cleveland Clinic, said in the midst of a pandemic, it’s more important than ever to get a flu shot. A simultaneous surge may also further strain the availability of personal protective equipment, or PPE, for health care workers. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself from influenza, and people shouldn’t be afraid to venture out and get a flu shot. In addition to the flu vaccine, all the measures we’re doing to try and mitigate COVID-19 — like masking, social distancing and hand washing — will also help reduce the spread of the flu, since they’re both respiratory diseases.

MORE: Coronavirus and flu collide: What you need to knowIn an average year, the First Coast has about a 36.9% adult vaccination rate. With the #FluVaxJax campaign, organizers hope to increase the adult flu vaccination rate to at least 48%. If there was ever a year to get a flu shot, epidemiologist Dr. Jonathan Kantor said this is it. And getting tested, means more exposure to sick people.”Getting a vaccineGetting a flu vaccine is easy. Florida Blue will also be offering some free flu shot clinics, beginning in October.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Local hospitals are preparing now for the possibility that they could be inundated with sick people if the flu season hits at the same time as an expected peak in COVID-19 infections. The timing of that spike could turn out to be a one-two-punch for hospitals if the flu season is severe. The flu season is typically most prominent between October and February, though it can hit early and linger longer. The CDC released its calculation of last year’s estimated burden of the U.S flu season. (Click here to review the CDC’s flu 2019-2020 flu burden estimate.)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The city of Jacksonville and Duval County Medical Society are teaming up to launch #FluVaxJax, a community-wide campaign to get people vaccinated as part of an effort to keep area hospitals from being overwhelmed by incoming patients as flu season collides with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Our Morning Show team is dedicated to equipping you with the information you need, and we’ll be hearing from Mayor Lenny Curry, along with doctors and pharmacists, about the new campaign and what you should know about the flu vaccine. Below is a rundown of the coverage you can expect to see Wednesday morning:

LEARN MORE: Visit our special section on #FluVaxJax | TRUST INDEX: View recent Trust Index storiesBut some say they won’t get the flu vaccine for a variety of reasons. To find out what’s true and what’s not, we put common flu vaccine concerns through the News4Jax Trust Index. “People who get the flu vaccine can still get the flu, but it is much less likely to be a complicated disease process if you’ve had the vaccine,” Joshi explained. Finally, another myth is that people allergic to eggs cannot get a flu vaccine. Asked if there are any medical reasons why someone shouldn’t get a flu vaccine, Rathore replied with a laugh: “Yeah, it hurts a little.”