As flu season approaches, health officials in Chatham County, Georgia, are urging residents to get vaccinated early. With the updated flu vaccine now available, timely vaccination could significantly impact health outcomes this season. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 30,000 Americans lost their lives to the flu last year, while over 40 million were affected nationwide.
Local experts warn that flu activity is on the rise as cooler weather sets in. “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. The flu virus does not wait for winter; therefore, early vaccination remains crucial for personal and community protection.
Currently, flu activity in Georgia is minimal, but this is expected to change. The flu shot typically takes about two weeks to become fully effective, making early vaccination essential. High-risk groups, including older adults, children under two, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic health conditions such as asthma or diabetes, face a higher risk of serious complications. However, healthy individuals are not immune to severe illness, underscoring the need for widespread vaccination.
“The flu vaccine doesn’t necessarily stop you from catching the flu, but it does prevent serious illness or death if you do contract it,” Dr. Reddick explained. “It also reduces your risk of catching the flu by about half.”
Flu shots are now available at all Coastal Health District clinics across eight counties, including McIntosh, Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, and Long. Vaccines are provided regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. The flu causes over 200,000 hospitalizations annually in the U.S., and last year, hospitalizations neared 500,000. Early vaccination can cut the risk of severe illness by approximately 50%.
For residents looking to locate a flu shot by zip code, resources are available. Additionally, the Georgia Coastal Health District is hosting several flu vaccination events:
Flu Vaccination Events
– **Chatham County Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic**
**Date:** October 31
**Time:** 09:00 – 13:00
**Location:** Memorial Stadium, 101 John J. Scott Drive, Savannah
– **Effingham County Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic**
**Date:** October 7
**Time:** 08:30 – 16:00
**Location:** Clarence Morgan Recreational Complex, 1750 GA-21 S, Springfield
– **Glynn County Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic**
**Date:** September 25
**Time:** 08:00 – 18:00
**Location:** Health Department, 2747 Fourth Street, Brunswick
– **Long County Drive-Thru Clinic**
**Date:** September 25
**Time:** 08:30 – 17:30
**Location:** Health Department, 584 N. Macon Street, Ludowici
– **Flu Shot Event Inside the Clinic**
**Date:** October 30
**Time:** 08:30 – 17:30
**Location:** Health Department, 584 N. Macon Street, Ludowici
– **McIntosh County Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic**
**Date:** October 9
**Time:** 09:00 – 18:00
**Location:** Health Department, 1335 GA Hwy 57, Townsend
Residents are encouraged to take proactive steps this season by getting vaccinated early to ensure their health and the well-being of the community.
