Osceola Community Health Services (OCHS), in collaboration with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, will be hosting several Flu Shot/Food Drive events in Osceola County with local non-profit partners in an effort to reach the most vulnerable populations and prevent a Twindemic in Osceola County.

The first flu vaccine event will be hosted by Advanced Senior Center and Johnson University at its Osceola Campus, located at 1011 Bill Beck Blvd. in Kissimmee today, Thursday, Jan. 14th from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

A life-threatening respiratory illness, the Flu virus presents with symptoms similar to those of Covid-19: fever, headache, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue. The Flu can potentially result in more severe symptoms if the patient is impacted by both viruses at the same time.

According to the CDC, flu season peaks in the fall and winter to February but circulates in the environment year-round as late as May. Adults with chronic health conditions and or 65 years and older are at higher risk of developing complications from flu. The CDC estimates that influenza has resulted in between 9 million – 45 million illnesses, between 140,000 – 810,000 hospitalizations, and between 12,000 – 61,000 deaths annually since 2010.

To schedule a food drive appointment, call 407-686-5166. Future events will be held in February/March at Osceola Council on Aging, The Rock Church, Solid Rock Church, and other non-profit agencies in Osceola County.

COVID-19 Vaccine Events: Osceola Community Health Services will be offering COVID-19 vaccines to healthcare frontline professionals, and patients 65 years and older at the following locations in January/February: OCHS – Poinciana OCHS – Stadium Place 109 N. Doverplum Ave. 1501 Bill Beck Blvd Kissimmee, FL 34758 Kissimmee, FL 34744 To schedule an appointment or for more information on testing and vaccines, call 407-943-8600.