Local county health departments now offering flu vaccine.
It’s time to start preparing for the 2025-26 respiratory illness season. Available at District 4’s county health departments, the updated flu vaccine is the best way to prevent flu-related illnesses.
A trivalent flu vaccine is the standard shot this season, protecting against two influenza A viruses and one influenza B virus. The CDC recommends flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions. Though a flu shot may not prevent someone from getting the flu, it greatly reduces the chances of becoming severely ill or hospitalized due to the virus.
The flu vaccine may cause some mild side effects such as low-grade fever, aches, or redness/swelling where the shot was given, but it cannot cause the flu.
It takes about two weeks for your body to develop enough antibodies to provide protection against influenza after vaccination. Getting your shot in early to mid-October ensures you and your family are fully protected by Halloween, which is around the time flu may begin circulating in your community. However, it’s never too late to get vaccinated during flu season, which generally runs from October to May (and normally peaks from December to February).
Supplies may be limited in some locations as vaccine shipments arrive, so call your local health department at (800) 847-4262 to confirm availability and to schedule an appointment. You also can make an appointment online.
The cost of flu vaccination is typically covered by insurance, and health departments accept Medicaid, Medicare, and many private insurance plans. Low-cost vaccination options are available for individuals without health insurance coverage. For more information on fees and payment at the health department, call (800) 847-4262.
Who needs the flu vaccine?
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions, gets an annual flu vaccine. A flu shot is especially important for adults ages 65 and older, children younger than 2, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying conditions like asthma and chronic lung disease. In pregnant women, their flu shot will protect their unborn baby during pregnancy and a few months after birth.
High-dose flu shot for 65 and older
County health departments have the high-dose flu vaccine available as an option for adults 65 and older. These vaccines create a stronger immune response and offer more protection for senior adults. If high-dose vaccines are not available wherever senior adults may receive the flu vaccine, they should still get vaccinated with a standard-dose shot for protection.
Flu shots for children
Children 6 months through 8 years old who getting vaccinated for the first time will need two doses of the vaccine.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Natalie Shelton, natalie.shelton@dph.ga.gov