Cobb & Douglas Public Health urges public to get flu shots

Submitted information from Cobb and Douglas Public Health about flu shots:

This season, a flu vaccine is more important than ever. Cobb and Douglas Public Health staff urges you to get an annual influenza vaccination to reduce the chance of getting the flu and spreading it to others during this critical COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the CDC, getting a flu vaccine is not only important because it protects yourself, your family and your community from flu, but a flu vaccine this season can also help reduce the burden on our healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To decrease the chance of getting the flu simultaneously with COVID-19, it is imperative that our community get vaccinated with the flu vaccine.
“We want everyone to be properly protected from the flu, so we are encouraging community members to either call us to make an appointment or to walk in to one of our convenient health center locations,” Priti Kolhe, CDPH district immunization director, said.
CDPH Immunization Clinic staff is offering annual flu vaccines to everyone six months and older at the Acworth, Marietta, Douglasville and Smyrna Public Health Center locations. CDPH staff is also offering onsite vaccinations to local businesses and community events for groups of 20 or more people.
Recommendations for Senior Patients: In addition to the flu vaccine, CDPH staff also recommends pneumonia shots for anyone over 65 years old, or anyone with a chronic illness or weakened immune system. Medicare pays for the flu and pneumonia vaccines. The shingles vaccine is also recommended for anyone over 50 years of age.
For more information about the flu vaccine or to schedule an appointment, call 770-514-2300 or visit cobbanddouglaspublichealth.org.