North Central Health District

Macon-Bibb County Health Department Hosting Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic Oct. 8 & Oct. 22

Posted October 6, 2020 by Michael Hokanson

Macon-Bibb County Health Department is encouraging all residents who have not received an annual flu shot to attend the health department’s drive-thru flu clinics Oct. 8 and Oct. 22, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 171 Emery Hwy.

Flu shots will be given at the front of the health department building. Drive-thru participants are asked to wear a face mask covering both the nose and mouth when receiving their flu shot.

“Flu shots are an important part of keeping our community safe, healthy and happy,” said Macon-Bibb County Health Department Nurse Manager Veronica Dumas-Dewberry. “Our drive-thru clinics give everyone in our county a chance to conveniently receive their annual vaccine.”

Flu shots given during the drive-thru clinic will be given at no cost to insured visitors; insurances will be billed for the vaccine. The health department accepts a variety of insurances. Participants are asked to have their insurance cards ready when they enter the drive-thru clinic. 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.

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 478-745-0411 to schedule an appointment. For more information on flu, visit NCHD52.org/flu.