Health Departments Offer Flu Vaccine Ahead of Peak Flu Season

An annual flu shot is the best way to prevent serious flu-related illness and is now available at health departments across coastal Georgia. September and October are ideal months for vaccination so your body can build immunity before peak flu season arrives.

“We’re already seeing an increase in flu-like illness in Georgia, so it’s certainly not too soon to get your flu shot,” said Angela Hartley, clinical director of the Coastal Health District. “It takes about two weeks for your immune system to build resistance to the flu after vaccination, so you don’t want to wait until flu cases are widespread to get the vaccine.”

Flu vaccine is available at the health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh Counties. Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older, and is especially important for:

• adults over 65,
• children younger than 2,
• pregnant people, and
• individuals with underlying conditions like asthma and chronic lung disease.

The cost of flu vaccination is typically covered by insurance, and health departments accept many health insurance plans. There are low-cost vaccination options for individuals without health insurance coverage.

Flu Vaccination Events

Several health departments will offer special flu vaccination events this fall. Additional events may be added throughout the season.

Are you headed to one of our flu vaccination events or coming to the clinic for a flu shot? Click the button below to view, download, and print the vaccine consent forms and read the Vaccine Information Sheet ahead of time. Bring the completed consent form with you to the clinic for even faster service!