Health Department Makes Vaccination Easy and Convenient

FITZGERALD – The Ben Hill County Health Department is making it simple to protect yourself this flu season with two easy options: in-clinic flu shots available every weekday and drive-thru flu clinics for adults (18+) every Friday beginning October 3. Drive-thru clinics will run through October and may continue into November depending on demand.

Drive-thru clinics allow adults to roll down their car window and get vaccinated without ever leaving their vehicle. For families with children, or for anyone who prefers a traditional appointment, flu shots are also available inside the health department during normal business hours, Monday through Friday.

Both traditional flu shots and high-dose flu vaccines (for individuals 65 and older) will be offered. For individuals who are “self-pay,” or paying without processing insurance, pricing is $46.93 for traditional flu vaccine and $121.92 for high dose. For individuals who are uninsured, state supplied vaccines are available for $21.00.

Insurance will be billed for those with accepted insurance providers, and pricing may vary depending on coverage. For information on accepted insurance providers and costs with insurance, please call the health department directly.

Please note, high dose flu vaccine supplies may be limited. We recommend calling ahead to ensure availability.

Flu season in the U.S. typically begins in the fall and peaks between December and February. Getting vaccinated early is the best way to protect yourself and those around you before flu activity reaches its highest levels.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine each year. Vaccination is particularly important for those at higher risk of complications, including young children, pregnant women, adults 65 and older, and individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.

“Getting your flu shot is one of the best ways to keep yourself and those around you healthy this season,” said Layne S. Harrell, RN, MSN, Nurse Manager at the Ben Hill County Health Department. “Whether you come into the clinic during the week or use our convenient Friday drive-thru for adults, we encourage everyone to make their flu vaccine a priority before flu activity increases.”

Most insurance plans are accepted, including Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, Coventry, United Healthcare, Medicaid (PeachState, AmeriGroup, CareSource, PeachCare), and Medicare. Bring your insurance card to your appointment. Self-pay options are also available.

To schedule your flu vaccine appointment, or for more information about the Friday drive-thru clinics, call the Ben Hill County Health Department at 229-426-5291.