Flu vaccine still available at area health departments

GAINESVILLE - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported earlier this week that flu activity has increased in many Southern states including Georgia and predicted flu activity could be higher this flu season than in recent years.

But health officials in northeast Georgia say the good news is that it's not too late to get your flu shot. The vaccine is still available at local health departments, according to officials with the District 2 Public Health Office in Gainesville. The office serves 13 counties in northeast Georgia. (Click on the link below for their locations.)

The cost for the flu shot is $25. Medicare, Medicaid, PeachCare, and State Health Benefits Plan (United Health Care and Cigna) are accepted. You should make sure you have your insurance card with you when you arrive for you shot.

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get the flu vaccine every year. While everyone should get the flu vaccine, it is especially important for certain people, who are at more risk from flu-related complications to get immunized. These groups include:

§ Pregnant women

§ Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old

§ People 50 years of age and older

§ People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions

§ People who live in nursing homes and other long

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