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As you prepare for fall, be sure to include “Get a flu shot” on your to do list.  The DeKalb County Board of Health will begin offering flu shots on Monday, Aug. 29.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that those six months of age and older receive an annual flu vaccination.  As the Board of Health’s District Health Director S. Elizabeth Ford, M.D., M.B.A., explains, “Everyone still needs to get a flu shot this season, even though this year’s vaccine targets the same virus strains as last year’s.  This is because the immunity from last year’s shot may now be too low to protect you during the flu season.”  The 2011-12 vaccine will protect against the H1N1 (type A), H3N2 (type A) and type B influenza viruses.

In addition to the standard flu vaccine, Fluzone high-dose will be available.  It creates a stronger immune response in people 65 years and older than the standard vaccine.

There are specific groups at high risk of being hospitalized or dying from flu complications.  The high-risk groups are children six months and older, adults 65 years of age and older, and pregnant women.  Also at high risk are individuals with the following conditions:

The DeKalb County Board of Health’s fees are as follows:

The Vaccines for Children program provides low-cost flu vaccines for uninsured and under-insured children ages 18 and younger.  To see if your child is eligible, call your nearby Board of Health center.

Checks (onGeorgiabanks), cash, credit cards, Medicaid, Medicare (part B) and PeachCare for Kids are accepted.  Please bring your card.

Individuals with health insurance from United Healthcare or Cigna through the State Health Benefit Plan can receive their flu vaccination at any Board of Health location.  Please bring your card.

Good hygiene practices also can help reduce the spread of the flu.  These include washing your hands often, coughing in to your sleeve, using a disinfectant to clean shared surfaces like doorknobs handles and staying home when you have flu-like symptoms.

Symptoms of influenza are a cough, sore throat, headache, fatigue, runny or stuffy nose and body aches. Diarrhea and vomiting may also occur and are more common in children than in adults.

Flu vaccinations are available on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday between 8:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the following DeKalb County Board of Health locations:

On-site flu clinics are available for businesses, faith-based and civic groups with 10 people or more.  Call the nearest health center to arrange for an immunization team to come to your worksite, organization or place of worship.

Download a DeKalb County Board of Health flu shot flyer: