As Georgia warily moves into flu season, state health officials are trying to avoid a potentially “devastating” ‘twindemic.’ State commissioner of public health Dr. Kathleen Toomey says no one knows what the presence of influenza may do to a COVID infection. That concern, combined with the threat of a possible hospital surge, has officials pushing for Georgians to get their flu shot.
“Never has it been more important to get a flu shot than this year,” stressed Toomey during a press conference Wednesday at the State Capitol. “We realize that people sometimes don’t think a flu shot is effective, or are afraid to get it, or just don’t bother. This is particularly important this year.”
The state has distributed over 307,000 doses of the flu vaccine to public health departments around Georgia. An additional 400,000 doses are scheduled to be distributed. And while there’s no shortage of vaccines, getting people to take them has its challenges. Many are worried about going into clinics for fear of contracting COVID. Others worry the shot itself may give them the flu.
“While a flu shot does not guarantee you won’t get sick, it reduces the risk of catching the influenza virus and lessens the impact if you do get the flu,” explains Northeast Health District Immunization Coordinator Sara Alarid.
To make it easier for those who are reluctant, almost all of the state’s public health departments are doing drive-through clinics. Some, like Habersham, are even offering curbside service.
In the Dalton area, public health officials administered more than 1700 vaccines in drive-throughs, according to Toomey.
The Habersham County Public Health Department administered 112 shots during its recent drive-through clinic in Demorest. And while the department has not announced plans for additional drive-through clinics, curbside flu shots are available by calling 706-778-7156. The clinic is open from 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
The Northeast Health District is now offering drive-through flu shots in Athens. The shots are free for adults and for children without insurance. For children with insurance, their carrier may be billed. To schedule an appointment, visit PublicHealthAthens.com or call 706-340-0996.
“With COVID-19 still present in our community, we need to work together to reduce the burden on our healthcare system,” says Alarid. “Our drive-through clinic makes receiving your flu shot fast, easy, and safe.”
The flu shot is approved for people 6 months and older, including those who are healthy or have chronic health conditions. A nasal spray is available for those between the ages of 2 and 49 who are healthy and not pregnant, however, vaccines are recommended for most people.
Health officials stress that getting the flu vaccine does not replace the need to observe COVID-19 safety measures. People who are vaccinated should still wear masks, maintain social distance, and frequently wash their hands.
For more information about the flu, visit https://dph.georgia.gov/flu.
To learn about the similarities and differences between the flu and COVID-19, visit https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm.
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