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- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Press Room
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North GA - In honor of Veterans Day, we will be closed on Friday, November 10, 2023. All our public health facilities in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties will be closed.
Veterans Day officially falls on November 11th.
We express our deepest gratitude to all veterans for their service and sacrifice!
Thank you for your understanding, and we wish everyone a meaningful Veterans Day.
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- Written by: Georgia Department of Public Health
- Category: Press Room
WIC NEWS ALERT 11/9/23:
On November 2, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a notice to advise parents and caregivers not to buy or feed certain WanaBana USA products to toddlers or young children, because the products may contain elevated levels of lead. WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, all lot codes and expiration dates, are affected. The company also initiated a voluntary recall of these products. These products are sold nationally and are available through multiple retailers, including Sam’s Club, Amazon, and Dollar Tree.
Consumers should stop using the product and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers can email the company at
All WIC News Alerts in Georgia are posted at WIC News Alerts | Georgia Department of Public Health.
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- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Press Room
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North GA — As the threat of wildfires continues in North Georgia due to current drought conditions, local health authorities are urging residents to prioritize their safety. North Georgia Health District officials highlight the significant health risks linked to possible wildfire smoke exposure and offer advice on protective measures.
Wildfire smoke, a complicated blend of gases and tiny particles produced when wood and other organic materials combust, poses a significant health threat. These minuscule particles can infiltrate deep into the lungs, leading to a variety of health issues, from eye irritation and a runny nose to chronic heart and lung diseases.
"Exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to severe health consequences, especially for children, the elderly, and those with existing respiratory conditions," said Dr. Zachary Taylor, Interim District Health Director for the North Georgia Health District. "It's imperative that residents take the necessary steps to minimize their exposure to the smoke."
Health officials suggest taking the following measures to shield yourself from wildfire smoke:
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- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
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North GA - The holiday season has arrived, bringing with it opportunities to share thanks and spread cheer as we spend time with loved ones. However, it's also a time when the flu can spread, leading to potentially severe complications. The most effective way to guard against the flu is to get vaccinated. Everyone aged six months and above can be protected from the flu with an annual flu shot. And when people are protected, it helps prevent the spread of flu to their loved ones.
Flu vaccines are readily available at health departments in the North Georgia Health District, including Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties. No appointment is necessary during regular clinic hours, and the vaccine is low or no cost to you, depending on your healthcare coverage.
Children are particularly vulnerable to the flu, which can be more dangerous for them than the common cold. Every year, millions of children fall ill with the flu, leading to thousands of hospitalizations and even some deaths. Fortunately, a flu vaccine can help safeguard your children against the flu.
Children under five years old, especially those under two, and children with chronic health conditions like asthma and diabetes, are at a higher risk of severe flu complications. It's crucial that these children receive a seasonal flu vaccine to help prevent the flu and reduce their risk of hospitalization or death if they fall ill.
Parents can help their children combat the flu by ensuring the whole family gets vaccinated each year.
Getting a flu shot also helps protect other vulnerable loved ones, such as adults aged 65 and older and people with certain chronic conditions. These groups are at a higher risk of severe flu complications and hospitalization.
For people 65 and older, high dose flu vaccine is available, which contains four times the protective antigen that will help prevent flu in this age group, whose immune systems tend to weaken with age.
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- World AIDS Day Events in North GA, Dec. 1st
- Seven Safe & Healthy CDC Halloween Tips
- National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
- Gilmer County Health Dept. REOPENED Today
- Over 900 North Georgians Protected Against the Flu at Public Health Drive-thrus
- Closed on Monday for Columbus Day
- Safe Sleep & Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month
- Breast Cancer Screening & Awareness Events are Scheduled in North Georgia
- New RSV Vaccine is Now Available for Adults 60+ at Health Departments in North GA
- Our Emergency Preparedness Newsletter, Sept Issue