-
The Hartwell Sun
Flu experts at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are encouraging people to get a flu vaccine to reduce the risk of co-infection with COVID-19. The Hart County Health Department will be offering three flu shot drive-throughs in October.
Two of the drive-throughs will be for students only, including virtual learners, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 8 and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 22 at the health department.
The other drive-through will be open to the community from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 19 at 138 W. Gibson St. in Hartwell.
Flu vaccines are also offered at the health department, appointments are encouraged. Curbside service will be available at the health department for flu vaccines.
The health department accepts cash, credit and debit cards, as well as Medicare, Medicaid, Peach Care, Amerigroup, WellCare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Coventry, and United Health Care (state health benefit plan). The department asks that people bring their insurance card with them. The cost for the seasonal flu shot is $30 for self-pay.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older, who can take the flu shot, do so. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to build full immunity against influenza, so now is a good time to get vaccinated, health department officials say. Influenza activity typically starts in October and lasts until May in the United States.
If you can’t come to the drive-through clinic you can still get your flu shot at the health department. The department asks that you call ahead to 706-376-5117 for best time to come.
If businesses are interested in the health department coming to their facility to give flu shots, call 706-376-5117 to inquire.