North Central Health District

Free flu Shots Available at an Event Near You in Hancock County

Posted October 29, 2020 by Michael Hokanson

Mobile Flu Clinic Offers Free Flu Shots Through November and December

SPARTA – Flu season is here, and Hancock County Health Department, Hancock Health Improvement Partnership and Community Health Care Systems, Inc. (CHCS) are partnering up to make sure everyone is protected this flu season. The team will host four mobile flu clinic events across Hancock County through November and December. The scheduled events include:

Date	Time	Location
Friday, Nov. 6	9 a.m. – 1 p.m.	Mayfield Housing Authority 7124 Powelton Church Rd. Sparta, GA 31087
Friday, Nov. 13	9 a.m. – 1 p.m.	Reynolds Brothers Community Center 30 Covey Rise Farm Rd. Sparta, GA 31087
Saturday, Dec. 5	11 a.m. – 3 p.m.	CJE Foundation 2866 GA Hwy. 22 Sparta, GA 31087
Wednesday, Dec. 9	11 a.m. – 2 p.m.	CHCS, Inc. 675 E Hamilton St. Sparta, GA 31087

“We know that some members of our community may have difficulty getting flu shots, whether that’s due to their schedule, financial situation, transportation, insurance or other barriers,” said Hancock County Health Department Nurse Manager Shirley Tucker, RN. “These mobile clinics give everyone in our county a chance to conveniently receive their annual vaccine at no cost.”

Flu shots given during the mobile clinic events will be given at no cost to visitors whether insured or uninsured. Those with insurance are asked to bring their insurance information, but there will be no out-of-pocket cost for anyone.

“Community Health Care Systems is a Federally Qualified Health Center that offers primary care to anyone in the community, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay,” said CHCS Chief Operations Officer Kavanaugh Chandler, MD, MBA. “We have a long history of successful partnerships with Health Districts nationwide. In line with our values and history we are proud to offer free flu shots to the Hancock County community.”

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for everyone aged six months or older. Those over the age of 65 are recommended to get a high-dose vaccine to increase immune system response to the virus. The body can take around two weeks to build up immunity after receiving a flu shot, so it is better to get vaccinated before flu season begins. Each year, flu causes a number of preventable deaths – vaccination can reduce the risk of flu-related complications and deaths.

While seasonal influenza can affect people throughout the year, flu activity is highest during fall and winter. The CDC reports flu season begins in October and can last through May, peaking between December and February.

The best way to protect yourself from the flu is by getting an annual flu shot. In addition to vaccination, you can reduce the chance of spreading influenza by taking steps to prevent the spread of germs:

• Avoid contact with sick people.
• If you begin to experience flu-like symptoms, stay home for 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities.
• Always cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze and throw away used tissues immediately.
• If you do not have tissues, sneeze and cough into the crook of your elbow, then make sure to wash clothing to kill germs.
• Keep your hands clean by frequently washing with soap and warm water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Do not touch your mouth, nose or eyes.
• Regularly disinfect surfaces and objects (countertops, children’s toys) that may be contaminated with germs.
• Keep at least 6 feet from others in public spaces.
• Use a face mask to cover your nose and mouth in spaces where distancing is difficult or impossible.

With COVID-19 active throughout Georgia, getting a flu shot can help reduce the risk of having two illnesses spread across communities and lessen the burden on healthcare facilities. While many prevention methods against flu can also help reduce your risk of COVID-19 transmission, the flu shot does not protect against COVID-19.

“Getting a flu shot will reduce your likelihood of getting the flu and is especially important during the global pandemic,” said Dr. Chandler.

“We have already been hit hard by COVID-19,” said Tucker. “If we all work together and get our flu shots, we can help protect everyone we know from another illness. Your flu shot isn’t just protection for you. It’s for your neighbor, your co-worker, your friend and your family.”

If you cannot make it to the mobile clinic events, flu shots are available at the health department during normal clinical hours. Appointments are required to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Call 706-444-6616 to schedule an appointment. For more information on flu, visit NCHD52.org/flu.