Flu shots available this week fro bartow County Health Department

Media release: We're trying to make it easier and more convenient than ever to get your flu shot this year, said Bartow County Health Department Nurse Manager Cathy Green.  According to Green, the health department will be offering flu shots at a special drive-through clinic at the Senior Citizens Center on Zena Drive Wednesday, September 29, from 8:30 AM to 1 PM, for people 65 and over and for those who have difficulty walking.  People over 65 who have not yet received a pneumonia shot can get a free pneumonia shot at the same time. 

 

On Thursday, September 30, the health department will be offering flu shots to everyone six months and older at the new Clarence Brown Conference Center from 8:30AM to 6:00PM in Etowah Rooms I and II.  Free pneumonia shots for qualifying persons will also be available.

  

The flu shot will cost $20; Medicare, Medicaid, cash, check and credit card will be accepted as well as Wellcare, Amerigroup, PeachState and State Employee Insurance (UHC and CIGNA).  

 

"In October and November, the health department will offer free flu shots to students at each school in the Cartersville City School System, the Bartow County School System and Excel Christian Academy.  A schedule is being developed, and parents will be notified of this opportunity," Green said.

 

"We're encouraging everyone over six months of age to get a flu shot as soon as possible this year," Green emphasized.  "Getting a flu shot is the single best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting the flu."  Green noted the flu vaccine protects against the three viruses that research suggests will be the most common this season, including H1N1, the so-called "swine flu" that was prevalent last year. Green also stressed that people who get a flu shot now will still have protection against influenza well into next spring. 

 

According to Green, people at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, those with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 and older.  People who live with or care for someone who is high risk or people who care for children younger than 6 months of age should be vaccinated to help protect the high risk and very young as well.

 

For more information about flu shots, contact the Bartow County Health Department at 77o-382-1920.  For more information about flu, go to www.cdc.gov/flu