Vaccine before Halloween with local health department

October is the time of the year when the days get cooler and shorter. But it's also the beginning of flu season.

Local health department officials want you to help keep Florida flu free this season. Officials with Bay County's health department are encouraging and offering flu vaccines.

Doctors say it takes about two weeks for the body to develop protection against the flu after vaccination, so the month's motto is "Vaccine before Halloween!"

Bay County's health department will offer vaccines for any child six months and older for free. They also have adult vaccines for a fee.

According to information from local officials this year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention only recommends people get flu shot injections. Vaccines in the form of nasal spray is not recommended because of concerns about its effectiveness.

Vaccines are available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. No appointment is necessary. They'll offer them as long as supplies last.