North Central Health District

Macon-Bibb County Health Department Hosting Flu Clinic Sept. 29

Posted September 22, 2017 by Michael Hokanson

Friday, Sept. 9, Macon-Bibb County Health Department (MBCHD) will host a flu clinic from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. at 171 Emery Hwy. During the flu clinic, all nurses will focus on providing flu shots to clients through a streamlined process, allowing for quick vaccination for anyone in need of protection against the flu. Other clinical services will be available in a limited capacity.

“We want to make sure everyone has a chance to protect themselves through vaccination before we get into the more active parts of the flu season,” said MBCHD Nurse Manager Beverlyn Ming. “You can wash your hands, take your vitamins and avoid contact with sick people, but the best way to fight the flu is by getting your annual flu shot.”

Resident who miss the opportunity to receive their annual flu vaccine at the Sept. 29 flu clinic may get their shot at the health department during regular business hours which are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with hours extended to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays. MBCHD accepts a variety of insurances including Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Cigna, Coventry, Aetna, Medicaid and Medicare. Uninsured individuals will only need to pay $25 for a regular dose flu shot and $55 for a high dose vaccine for those who are aged 65 or older. For more information on accepted insurances and service fees, visit NCHD52.org/cost.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and sometimes lead to death. Older people, young children and people with chronic medical conditions are at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms and complications related to the flu. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone aged 6 months and older get vaccinated against the flu each year. It is recommended to get the shot as soon as it is available each year, as it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop and provide protection against the flu.

The staff of MBCHD would like to remind residents of the simple ways they can stay healthy during flu season:

• Get an influenza vaccine each year.
• Practice good hygiene by washing hands with antimicrobial hand foam or soap and water for a minimum of 15 to 20 seconds.
• If you are sick, stay home to avoid spreading illness.
• Always sneeze into a tissue or paper towel; if you do not have either of those, use the crook of your elbow (make sure to wash clothing to kill germs).
• Dispose of tissues after use – carrying around used tissues is carrying a “cold in your pocket.”

Macon-Bibb County Health Department works to protect the health of people and their environment wherever in our community they live, work and play. Through our services, we prevent disease, injury and disability, promote health and well-being and prepare for and respond to disasters from a health perspective.