Health Department Offering Flu Vaccines

Flu season has arrived, and the Georgia Department of Public Health’s South Health District encourages everyone to visit their local health department to get vaccinated.

In the United States, flu season typically occurs in the fall and winter months. While influenza viruses spread year-round, most of the time flu activity begins in October and peaks between December and February.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone 6 months of age and older should receive the flu vaccine each year. It is the first crucial step in protecting yourself and others against this serious illness. People at higher risk for contracting serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease, and people 65 years and older.

“Vaccination is our best tool to prevent and fight flu,” explained District Health Director Dr. Mark Eanes. “The earlier you get your vaccine in the season, the better. We want to encourage everyone to not wait and get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

South Health District serves ten counties across South Georgia: Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Tift and Turner. Flu vaccinations are available in all county health departments.

Appointments are required for most health departments, so call before you stop by. Insurance will be processed for those with coverage from the following carriers: Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, Coventry, United Healthcare, Medicaid (PeachState, AmeriGroup, CareSource and PeachCare) and Medicare. Please bring your insurance card to your appointment. For those without insurance, self-pay is also available.

High dose flu vaccine is also available to those who are 65+, however supply may be limited so please call ahead.

For more information, call your local health department or visit www.southhealthdistrict.com.