5 Local Places to Get Your Flu Shot

The flu season has hit early and hard. The Sunshine State is no exception.

Getting a flu shot is still the best line of defense, according to health experts. Fortunately, it's easy to find a clinic, pharmacy or even grocery store in Sarasota, Florida, where flu vaccines are offered.

Here's a quick rundown of places in Sarasota:

1.) Publix supermarkets offer flu shots. The Florida-based grocery store chain also has a "flu shot" locator, where you can enter in your zipcode to find the stores that offer shots.

2.) CVS pharmacies has a 20 percent shopping discount for folks who get their flu shots at the store. Just ask about the discount at the pharmacy window. CVS accepts insurance, too, for the cost of the shots. So if your arm isn't aching too much after your vaccination, you can get some retail therapy in, too.

3.) The Sarasota County Health Department offers the flu vaccine without an appointment, on a walk-in basis, at 2200 Ringling Blvd. Phone: 941-861-2784. Hours are Monday-Wedensday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Thursday, 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Friday, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free for eligible children, 2-18 years old.  Adults: $32.10-$37.25, depending on the specific vaccine administered; $47.10 for high-dose vaccine (for adults 65 and older).

4.) Sarasota Urgent Care Walk-in Clinic, 6272 Lake Osprey Dr., provides quick, convenient service, with no appointments necessary. Open seven days a week, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. There's also a Lakewood Ranch Urgent Care Walk-in Clinic at
9908 S.R. 64 East Bradenton.

5.) Sarasota Memorial has walk-in clinics at three locations that are open seven days a week. Flu shots are $25; shots are 100 percent covered for Medicare patients. There is the Stickney Point clinic, 6331 South Tamiami Trail; the University Parkway clinic, 5360 University Parkway; and the Heritage Harbour clinic, 1040 River Heritage Blvd.