Health Department To Conduct Flu Shot Clinic, School Vaccinations

It's almost that time of year—time to prepare for flu season. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the season normally peaks in January or February, but flu activity begins as early as October.

In an effort to help locals get prepared, on Thursday will offer flu shots to the community on a walk-in basis from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., as long as supplies last, at the . A limited amount of Vaccine for Children flu mist is available for children ages 2 to 18 years.

“It’s not too soon to get the flu vaccine and be protected throughout this flu season,” Nurse Manager Cathy Green said in a press release. “The CDC now recommends a yearly flu vaccination for virtually everyone, except babies younger than 6 months and people with severe allergies to the eggs used to make it.”

Green said the health department will provide special services to accommodate disabled individuals or those who have difficulty walking. “We will arrange to serve those who must remain in the vehicle.  Inform the clerk as you enter the Civic Center that special services are needed,” she added.

“Bring that person’s Medicare or Medicaid card or form of payment and have his or her information available so we can complete the questionnaire.”  

The person receiving services in the vehicle cannot be the driver of the vehicle, Green notes.

Cost of the flu shot is $20.00; cash, check, credit card or Medicare, Medicaid, Wellcare, Amerigroup, PeachState and State Employee United Healthcare and Cigna will be accepted as payment.

The health department also will be conducting school-based flu clinics this fall. 

“For the second year in a row, we will provide—at no cost—both regular flu shots and Flumist nasal spray to school-aged children," Green said. "Parents should expect a letter from the school soon offering them the opportunity to have their child receive the free, voluntary nasal spray or the traditional flu shot at school.

“Parents must return the letter requesting a questionnaire, a consent form and additional information on the flu vaccine in order for their child to receive the free vaccination. Parents must then return the completed questionnaire and signed consent form.” 

Bartow County Health Department registered nurses will visit each school during the month of October to administer the nasal mist or flu shots to those students. A tentative calendar should be available soon, depending on vaccine availability.

Call the at 770-382-1920 or visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/ for more information about influenza and flu vaccination.