Get Vaccinated for Low or NO COST in North Georgia!
*See flyers in English and Spanish below!
NORTH GA – Residents wanting an especially safe, convenient way to arm against the flu this year will soon have that opportunity at one of six Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics coming this September!
The Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics, conducted by county public health departments in North Georgia, will allow people to stay safely in their vehicles, separated from others, while health department staff wear COVID-19 protective gear as they provide flu vaccinations. Clients driving through will also be required to wear a mask or cloth face covering.
The Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics are scheduled, as follows:
Whitfield: Tuesday, September 22nd, 9 A.M. – 3 P.M., Dalton Convention Center: 2211 Dug Gap Battle Road, Dalton, GA. Call (706) 279-9600 for more details.
Gilmer: Tuesday, September 22nd, 8 A.M. – 1 P.M., ETC Pavilion: Legion Road, Ellijay, GA. Call (706) 635-4363 for more details.
Fannin: Thursday, September 24th, 9 A.M. – 3 P.M., The Farmers Market: East First Street, Blue Ridge, GA. Call (706) 632-3023 for more details.
Pickens: Monday, September 28th, 9 A.M. – 2 P.M., Mt. Zion Baptist Church: 1036 North Main Street, Jasper, GA. Call (706) 253-2821 for more details.
Murray: Tuesday, September 29th, 8 A.M. – 6 P.M., Murray County Parks and Recreation Department: 651 Hyden Tyler Road, Chatsworth, GA. Call (706) 695-4585 for more details. UPDATE: Due to expected rainstorms, the Flu Shot Clinic in Murray County will now be conducted INSIDE the building instead of out in the parking lot, as planned.
Cherokee: Wednesday, September 30th, 9 A.M. – 2 P.M., Woodstock City Church: 150 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock, GA. Call (770) 928-0133 or (770) 345-7371 for more details.
Since 2008, public health in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield counties has made it possible for residents 18 and older to roll in, roll up a sleeve and arm themselves against the flu safely, quickly and conveniently while seated in their vehicles. But this year, with COVID-19 transmitting in our communities, it is more important than ever that we protect against the flu, reducing the dangerous risk of having both illnesses at the same time.
The four-in-one, or quadrivalent, flu vaccine offered at the clinics will be the regular flu vaccine as well as a high-dose flu vaccine for people sixty-five and older.
Quadrivalent flu vaccine protects people against four different strains of flu, including two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses.
The high-dose flu vaccine contains four times the amount of protective antigen for immune systems that tend to weaken with age.
The flu vaccine is no-cost for anyone under one of several acceptable health insurance plans such as Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, Anthem BlueCross BlueShield, United Healthcare, and others. For those paying out-of-pocket, the cost is still relatively low at $25 for the regular flu vaccine and $65 for the high-dose vaccine. Cash will be accepted along with other forms of payment, depending on the county.
While arming residents against the flu at the Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics, public health staff and community partners test their plans for standing up a temporary Point of Dispensing (POD) to rapidly administer medication during a public health crisis. Participating community partners include local law enforcement, volunteers, businesses and first responders such as the county Emergency Management Agency, Emergency Medical Services and Fire Department.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctor visits, and missed days from work and school, and it can prevent flu-related hospitalizations. As people get vaccinated, they are not only protecting themselves, but they are also helping to prevent the spread of the flu to others, including older people, very young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions who are more vulnerable to serious flu complications.
The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination. The most convenient way to get that vaccination in North Georgia is at the nearest public health Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinic.
For additional details about the Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics, contact one of the local county health departments listed.
To learn more about influenza and flu protection, log onto the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/flu/.
See Each County Health Dept's DRIVE-THRU FLU SHOT CLINIC flyer below in English y Espanol.
Enhanced COVID-19 Safety Measures Will Be In Place!
North GA – Grab that superhero suit and join us Saturday, September 19, 2020 at Etowah River Park in Canton for the 6th Annual Express Your SuperPower 5K/10K! The 5K/10K starts at 8:00 am, followed by a 1-mile Fun Run and a Tot Trot. Be sure to dress as a favorite superpower hero for a chance to win a prize!
Presented by the Northwest Georgia Breastfeeding Coalition and Georgia Breastfeeding Coalition, proceeds of this event will go to the coalitions in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week 2020 with the theme: ‘Support Breastfeeding - For a Healthier Planet’.
“This will assist us as we inform Georgians about breastfeeding and related issues and as we galvanize community support,” said Carol Hendrix, WIC Coordinator for the North Georgia Health District. “It boosts our efforts to ensure breastfeeding families are given the resources and support they need to make informed decisions on promoting the health of their children.”
A recent CDC report card shows that breastfeeding is one of the most effective, preventive health measures for infants and mothers. According to the CDC, support for breastfeeding is needed in many different arenas, including hospitals, birth centers, worksites and communities. However, the report shows that Georgia still lags behind the national average on infant breastfeeding rates.
The CDC states, “The success rate among mothers who want to breastfeed can be greatly improved through active support from their families, friends, communities, clinicians, health care leaders, employers, and policymakers. Given the importance of breastfeeding for the health and well-being of mothers and children, it is critical that we take action across the country to support breastfeeding.”
So, be a breastfeeding superhero! Register for the Express Your SuperPower 5K/10K at www.expressyoursuperpower5k.com. But hurry! September 13th is the last day to register for a guaranteed race shirt.
NOTE: COVID-19 health and safety measures will be in place for participants and visitors, including the observance of recommended mask and social distancing protocols. Learn more at https://www.fivestarntp.com/covid-19-info.
We are sharing a PDF version of a children’s book that helps children understand our COVID-19 pandemic world when returning to school. Please check out the book titled “I Am Going Back To School”, written by Aileen Mui and Vivian Wong - just click on the book below provided in English and Spanish and share with family, friends and associates who have children going back to school. For more COVID-19 information and updates we're sharing on our website, please click HERE.
