Get your flu shot early, DeKalb health department says
Summer technically isn’t over yet, but flu season is upon us, according to the DeKalb Board of Health.
“Pockets of flu activity” have already been reported across metro Atlanta, the health department said Thursday.
In Georgia, flu season is generally considered to start in October and end in mid-May. However, the health department says it won’t hurt anyone to get vaccinated now.
Officials are urging residents to get their flu shots early by visiting one of the county's four health centers.
Children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable to the flu. However, vaccination is recommended for everyone age 6 months or older.
The flu killed at least 29 people in Georgia during the 2018-2019 season. There were 1,423 hospitalizations in metro Atlanta due to flu symptoms by the end of March.
Read more | Flu activity no longer considered at high level in Georgia
People with health insurance may be eligible for free or low-cost vaccinations at the health department, their doctor’s office or pharmacies.
Without insurance, the standard vaccine is $35, and there is a $65 high dose version for people age 65 or older at the health department.
Flu shots will be available on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., excluding state holidays. The DeKalb locations are:
- Clifton Springs Health Center, 3110 Clifton Springs Road, Decatur;
- East DeKalb Health Center, 2277 S. Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road, Lithonia;
- North DeKalb Health Center, 3807 Clairmont Road NE, Chamblee;
- O. Vinson Health Center, 440 Winn Way, Decatur.
About the Author
Tia Mitchell is the AJC’s Washington Bureau Chief and a co-host of the "Politically Georgia" podcast. She writes about Georgia’s congressional delegation, campaigns, elections and the impact that decisions made in D.C. have on residents of the Peach State.
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