North GA – Nearly 1,100 north Georgians have been vaccinated against the flu since early February when health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield Counties began providing flu vaccinations at no cost to clients. Now that the Georgia Department of Public Health reported the number of flu-related deaths in Georgia has risen to 98, local health officials are urgently encouraging anyone who has not yet been vaccinated to do so as quickly as possible. The virus continues to be widespread.
No-cost flu vaccine is still available at the north Georgia county health departments, including high dose flu vaccine for people ages 65 and older. Healthcare plans are billed for clients who have coverage and there is no charge to anyone who is not insured. No appointment is necessary – “Walk-ins” are welcome. Addresses and phone numbers for the participating health departments are as follows:
Cherokee County Health Department: 1219 Univeter Road, Canton, GA 30115, (770) 345-7371 and 7545 North Main Street, Suite 100, Woodstock, GA 30188, (770) 928-0133
Fannin County Health Department: 95 Ouida Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513, (706) 632-3023
Gilmer County Health Department: 28 Southside Church Street, Ellijay, GA 30540, (706) 635-4363
Murray County Health Department: 709 Old Dalton-Ellijay Road, Chatsworth, GA 30705, (706) 695-4585
Pickens County Health Department: 60 Health Way, Jasper, GA 30143, (706) 253-2821
Whitfield County Health Department: 800 Professional Boulevard, Dalton, GA 30720, (706) 226-2621
More information about preventing the spread of flu, such as frequent handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes, is on the North Georgia Health District website at http://nghd.org/pr/34-/938-widespread-flu-in-georgia.html.