The Georgia Department of Public Health’s Southeast Health District has started its annual flu vaccine program.
Flu shots are available at all health departments within the 16-county district that includes Bacon, Brantley, Clinch, Pierce and Ware coumties. Immunizations are available as a walk-in service at all health departments, but appointments can be scheduled by calling (855) 473-4374.
Cost depends on a recipient’s health insurance coverage. Health departments will bill providers, a spokesman said.
In the U.S., flu season typically spans the fall and winter months, with flu activity usually starting in October and peaking between December and February. Although influenza viruses circulate year-round, it is recommended to prepare and protect yourself now.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends those six months and older receive a vaccine annually. Vaccination is the first line of defense against the flu, which can be especially dangerous for certain groups.
These include young children, pregnant women, those with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease, and adults 65-up.
Visit www.sehdph.org/our-counties/ to find a health department location near you. In addition to the counties mentioned earlier, the southeast district includes Appling, Atkinson, Bulloch, Candler, Charlton, Coffee, Evans, Jeff Davis, Tattnall, Toombs, and Wayne counties.
