Columbus Health Department receives seasonal influenza vaccines - WLTZ 38 | Columbus Georgia Regional News & Community

The Columbus Department of Public Health and the West Central Health District have received the first shipments of seasonal influenza vaccine for the sixteen counties they serve.  "The Center for Disease Control recommends individuals get their flu vaccination as soon as it becomes available.  Our vaccine supply will not arrive all at once, therefore, we encourage you to vaccinate early and call your health department to check on vaccine availability," says Dr. Beverley Townsend, District Health Director.

This year residents have several choices of how the vaccine can be administered:

• FLU SHOT:  For all people ages 6 months and older (tell your doctor if you have a severe life-threatening reaction to eggs);
• NASAL SPRAY VACCINE:  For healthy people ages 2 through 49 who are not pregnant and do not have certain health conditions;
• "HIGH DOSE" FLU SHOT:  For people 65 years of age or older - (ask your healthcare provider for more information);
• NEW FLUZONE INTRADERMAL FLU SHOT:  For people 18 through 64 years of age  - 90% smaller needle than regular flu shot -  (tell your doctor if you have a severe, life-threatening, reaction to eggs).  - Available October 15th, 2011

The CDC Recommends the flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older, however people in the following high risk group are especially encouraged to receive the flu vaccine.

• Children ages 6 months – 19 years
• Pregnant Women
• People 50 years of age and older
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
• People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities
• Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
• Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age
• Healthcare Workers

The pneumonia vaccine may also be available for $65.00 (Medicare and Medicaid accepted) for individuals who have specific risk factors.  The cost of the influenza vaccine is $ 26.00.  We accept Medicare, Medicare supplements, GA Medicaid, State Health Benefit Plan, cash, checks and in Muscogee County only - credit cards.

Individuals should bring photo identification as well as their GA Medicaid, Medicare, or Medicare Supplement card > with them.  At this time, the vaccine will only be available to residents of Georgia.

Columbus Department of Public Health (706) 321-6300