CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. — With flu season quickly approaching, health officials in coastal Georgia are encouraging residents to take proactive measures. The latest flu vaccine is already accessible, and getting vaccinated early could have a significant impact this season.

The CDC reports that the flu claimed the lives of roughly 30,000 Americans last year, affecting over 40 million people across the country. This virus doesn’t wait until winter to appear, which is why local health professionals are advising that now is the ideal time to safeguard yourself.

“This is the optimal moment to receive your flu vaccine, so you can avoid catching it when flu season gains momentum,” stated Dr. Bonzo Reddick, Health Director of the Coastal Health District.

While current flu activity in Georgia is low, a rise is anticipated as temperatures drop. It takes approximately two weeks for the flu shot to become fully effective, highlighting the importance of early vaccination. High-risk demographics, such as seniors, young children, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes, are more susceptible to serious complications. Nonetheless, experts emphasize that even generally healthy individuals can suffer severe illnesses, underscoring the need for widespread vaccination to protect the community.

“The flu vaccine may not entirely prevent the flu, but it significantly reduces the risk of severe illness or death and cuts the likelihood of contracting it by about half,” Dr. Reddick clarified.

Flu vaccinations are currently available at all Coastal Health District Clinics across eight counties, with no restrictions on insurance status or ability to pay. These counties include McIntosh, Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, and Long.

The flu causes more than 200,000 hospitalizations in the U.S. Last year saw a spike that neared 500,000. Early vaccination can cut your risk of severe illness in half.

To locate a flu shot near you by zip code, click here.

For a list of upcoming flu vaccination events through the Georgia Coastal Health District, click here or read below.

Chatham County Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic

• Friday, October 31, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• In the parking lot of Memorial Stadium, 101 John J. Scott Drive in Savannah

Effingham County Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic

• Tuesday, October 7, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• At the Clarence Morgan Recreational Complex, 1750 GA-21 S in Springfield

Glynn County Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic

• Thursday, September 25, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• In the parking lot of the health department at 2747 Fourth Street in Brunswick

Long County

• Drive-thru Clinic, Thursday, September 25, 8:30 a.m. -5:30 p.m.
• In the parking lot of the health department at 584 N. Macon Street, Ludowici

• Flu shot event inside the clinic, Thursday, October 30, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• At the health department at 584 N. Macon Street, Ludowici

McIntosh County Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic

• Thursday, October 9, 9:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m.
• In the parking lot of the health department at 1335 Ga Hwy 57 in Townsend