Flu season is on the way.  The Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness encourages residents (ages 6 months and older) to protect themselves and their families by getting their flu shots.  Starting Monday, September 13, 2010, vaccines will be available Monday through Friday at county locations from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. 

The fee for the vaccine is $25; Medicaid, Medicare Part B and other insurances are accepted.

“This year’s vaccine provides protection against the seasonal flu which includes the H1N1 strain this year,” says Patrice A. Harris, MD, Director of Fulton Health Services.  “We strongly advocate the flu shot for all residents, especially those who fall into the priority high-risk category.”

Just like in all previous years, the 2010-2011 seasonal flu vaccine will protect against the three most common strains of the flu virus: an H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus that caused so much illness last season. Getting the flu vaccine when it becomes available each year is a good prevention practice.  The protection received from vaccination will last throughout the flu season.  Individuals who fall within the priority high-risk groups identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are strongly encouraged to get their shot this flu season.

The high-risk groups include:

• Children ages 6 months and older
• Adults ages 50 and older
  • Persons over 6 months old with certain chronic medical conditions
• Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
• Healthcare workers involved in direct patient care
• Caregivers, including daycare workers and household contacts of children under age 5
• Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season

People who do not get a flu vaccine are taking two significant risks – one, they are placing themselves at risk for influenza, including a potentially long and serious illness; and two, placing others, especially children ages 6 months and older, adults ages 50 and older and persons with chronic medical conditions at risk to develop serious complications.

Flu vaccinations do not cause the flu.  They may prevent a case of the flu, or make a case of the flu last a shorter period of time and be less severe.

Vaccination sites and telephone numbers are:

• Adamsville Health Center - 3699 Bakers Ferry Rd., SW, Atlanta, 404-699-4215      
• Center Hill Health Center - 3201 Atlanta Indus. Pkwy., Atlanta, 404-699-6370
• College Park Regional Health Center -1920 John E. Wesley Ave., College Park, 404-765-4155
• Lakewood Health Center - 1853 Jonesboro Rd., SE, Atlanta, 404-624-0626
• Neighborhood Union Health Center - 186 Sunset Ave., Atlanta, 404-612-4665
• Center for Health and Rehabilitation – 265 Boulevard., NE, Atlanta, 404-730-5835
• North Fulton Regional Health Center – 3155 Royal Drive, Alpharetta, 404-332-1834

Vaccinations also available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at:

• North Fulton Training Center – 5025 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, 404-303-6166

For additional information, call the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness or visit www.fultoncountygahealth.org.  Visit www.flu.gov for more information about the flu.

 

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