As flu season approaches, health officials in coastal Georgia are urging residents to get vaccinated early. The updated flu vaccine is now available, and experts believe that taking action now could significantly reduce the risk of severe illness this season.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu caused approximately 30,000 deaths and affected over 40 million individuals in the United States last year. With the virus capable of striking before winter fully sets in, local health experts emphasize the importance of early vaccination.
Importance of Early Vaccination
“This is the perfect time to get your flu vaccine so that you don’t catch it when flu season really starts to ramp up,” stated Dr. Bonzo Reddick, Health Director of the Coastal Health District. Although flu activity in Georgia is currently low, health officials anticipate an increase as temperatures drop.
The flu vaccine typically requires about two weeks to become fully effective, making early vaccination crucial. Certain groups, including older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic health conditions such as asthma or diabetes, are at a higher risk of serious complications. However, even otherwise healthy individuals are not immune to severe illness, underscoring the need for widespread vaccination.
Dr. Reddick explained, “The flu vaccine doesn’t necessarily stop you from catching the flu, but it significantly reduces the risk of severe illness or death, and it cuts the likelihood of catching the virus by about half.”
Vaccination Clinics Available Across Eight Counties
Flu shots are offered free of charge at all clinics operated by the Coastal Health District, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. The vaccination services are available across eight counties: McIntosh, Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, and Long.
The flu contributes to more than 200,000 hospitalizations annually in the United States, and last year saw a surge that approached 500,000. Early vaccination can reduce the risk of severe illness by half, making timely action even more critical.
To find a flu shot location by zip code or to see a list of upcoming vaccination events, residents can visit the Coastal Health District’s website. Notable upcoming clinics include:
- Chatham County: Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic on October 31 from 09:00 to 13:00 at Memorial Stadium, 101 John J. Scott Drive, Savannah.
- Effingham County: Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic on October 7 from 08:30 to 16:00 at Clarence Morgan Recreational Complex, 1750 GA-21 S, Springfield.
- Glynn County: Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic on September 25 from 08:00 to 18:00 at the health department, 2747 Fourth Street, Brunswick.
- Long County: Drive-Thru Clinic on September 25 from 08:30 to 17:30 at the health department, 584 N. Macon Street, Ludowici.
- McIntosh County: Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic on October 9 from 09:00 to 18:00 at the health department, 1335 GA Hwy 57, Townsend.
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to ensure they are protected as flu season approaches.