Spread Good Cheer for the Holidays, NOT the Flu! 

Last year, Georgia experienced one of the worst flu seasons in recent history. Don’t fall victim to the flu this year, North Georgians – vaccinate before it’s too late! This holiday season, the North Georgia Health District encourages all residents 6 months of age and older to get a yearly flu vaccine.

Take time this season to schedule an appointment with your public health department in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens or Whitfield County to get your flu vaccine or contact your health care provider.

“It’s important that Georgians understand the best way to protect against influenza is to receive an annual flu vaccine,” said Sheila Lovett, Immunization director for the Georgia Department of Public Health. “Because Georgia saw one of the highest spikes in influenza cases last year, it’s more important than ever to get yourself and your family vaccinated.”

What is new this flu season?  

• Flu vaccines have been updated to better match circulating flu viruses
• Any licensed, age-appropriate flu vaccine is recommended
• Ask your health department or health care provider about what vaccine is right for you Influenza can be a serious disease that leads to hospitalization and sometimes death. Regardless of race, age, gender or ethnicity, anyone can get sick from the flu. Those especially at risk are adults 65 years of age and older, children younger than 5, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or other long-term medical conditions. A flu vaccine is the best protection against the flu. With flu season beginning as early as August and sometimes lasting until May, it is never too late to vaccinate.

The recent National Influenza Vaccination Week (Dec. 2-8) emphasized the importance of receiving an annual flu vaccination. Even healthy children and adults can get very sick from the flu. This winter, make it a top priority to call your county health department or health care provider and make an appointment to get vaccinated. For more information on immunization, visit: http://dph.georgia.gov/influenza-what-you-need-know.