CHATHAM COUNTY -- Getting the flu vaccine is encouraged every year but getting vaccinated against the flu this year is more important than ever. Health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long and McIntosh counties now have flu vaccine available. To make it as convenient as possible for residents to get the flu vaccine, at least one drive-through flu vaccination clinic has been scheduled in each county. Details on drive-through clinics can be found at gachd.org/flu.

“The big question is, how will COVID-19 affect flu season? And the answer is, we just don’t know,” said Health Director for the Coastal Health District Lawton Davis M.D. “What we do know is that both are very contagious respiratory illnesses. There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19 but there is a vaccine for influenza. Please get your flu shot.”

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over six months of age. Vaccination is particularly important for those at high risk of complications from flu, including adults 65 and older, children younger than five, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions such as asthma and diabetes. It takes about two weeks after getting a flu shot for the vaccine to provide the body protection against the flu.

The same everyday preventive actions that are helping prevent the spread of COVID-19 are also recommended for preventing the flu: Stay home when you’re sick, cover coughs and sneezes, wash your hands frequently with soap and water (if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer), avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and wear a mask when out in public.