North Central Health District

Houston County Health Department Hosting Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic Nov. 18

Posted November 16, 2020 by Michael Hokanson

Drive-Thru Offering Free Flu Shots to Uninsured & Underinsured Residents

Houston County Health Department is encouraging all residents who have not received an annual flu shot to attend the health department’s drive-thru flu clinic Nov. 18, 3-5 p.m. at 98 Cohen Walker Drive. Flu shots will be given behind the health department’s environmental health building. Drive-thru participants are asked to wear a face mask covering both the nose and mouth when receiving their flu shot.

“We want everyone to have protection against the flu,” said Hancock County Health Department Nurse Manager Chris Sikes. “This particular event for the un- and underinsured residents of our community gives everyone a chance to access an essential healthcare service. The annual flu shot is an essential part of staying healthy this part of the year.”

During this drive-thru clinic, vaccination will be free for all uninsured and underinsured visitors. Visitors with insurance are asked to bring their insurance information, but there will be no out-of-pocket charge for shots.

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 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.

Flu shots are available at the health department during normal clinical hours. Appointments are required to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Call 478-218-2000 to schedule an appointment. For more information on flu, visit NCHD52.org/flu.