5 Local Places to Get a Flu Shot

Even the Sunshine State is battling the flu season.

The flu is widespread across Florida and the nation, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control. (See CDC Map with this article.)

News reports detail the impact of the bad flu season: Flu is widespread in 41 states...deaths climbed to 18... outpatient visits for flu jumped to 5.6 percent.

Getting a flu shot is still the best line of defense, according to health experts. The 2012-13 vaccines seem effective in most cases. It's not too late to get the flu shot either.

Fortunately, it's easy to find a clinic, pharmacy or even grocery store in Florida where flu vaccines are offered.

Here's a quick look:

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 in your community or neighborhood.

2.) CVS pharmacies are offering a 20 percent shopping discount to 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 Pinellas County Health Department has flu shots. The department has centers throughout Pinellas, but it is recommended that you call ahead. Here is a listing of locations.

4.) Doctors Express, 1530 4th St. North, in St. Petersburg is a walk-in, pay-as-you-go clinic that also accepts insurance. The 4th Street North clinic does not require appointments either, with hours 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

5.) The Bayfront Convenient Care Clinics, from Pasadena and the Beaches to St. Pete, have flu shots for $25 but the offices also take insurance. Here is a list of locations.