Routine seasonal flu vaccines are available at the Commerce and Jefferson clinics of the Jackson County Health Department. This is a month earlier than normal.
All health departments in the 10-county health district surrounding Athens (Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Madison, Morgan, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Walton) have flu vaccine available for the public.
Flu clinics are planned from 8:00 to noon this Friday, Sept. 11, and the following Friday, Sept. 18, but seasonal flu shots are also available during normal operating hours.
The shots are also available at CVS and Walgreens, and at Commerce Drug Co. starting Sept. 28, but hours they are offered vary store to store. Fees are generally $25, and the stores will bill Medicare.
The usual high-risk patients should get the shot as they have every year, according to health officials. People over 65 and people with high-risk conditions are at greatest risk for complications from seasonal flu.
Flu shots remain at $25 and are covered by Medicare and Medicaid. No appointment is necessary, officials said, just walk in to your local health department. Hours are: Monday 8:00 to 6:30 Mondays, 8:00 to 4:00 Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 8:00 to 1:00 Fridays.
Officials say the shot contains antigens for the three flu viruses believed by experts to be the most likely to affect the United States this fall and winter. This seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against the pandemic strain of the new H1N1 (swine) flu virus, officials stress. Vaccine for that virus is being developed and tested but is not expected to be released until late in the fall.
Information on other clinics can be found by calling the Public Health Information Line at 1-800-4PD-HELP, or by visiting www.PublicHealthAthens.com.
