The Spalding County Health Department will offer its annual drive-thru flu shot clinic on Thursday, October 20, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Anyone over 13 years old who lives in Spalding County is eligible to receive a free flu shot during the clinic while supplies last.
To find the entrance to the drive-thru clinic using GPS, please use 898 E. Solomon St., Griffin, as the address. All vehicles will need to enter from Solomon Street to Searcy Avenue and then turn right onto Harlow Road. Come around the former Senior Center. The Health Department’s entrance on Memorial Drive will be an exit only for safety.
This will be a flu clinic ONLY. COVID-19 vaccines will NOT be available during the drive-thru clinic.
Based in part on Australia’s 2022 severe flu season earlier this year, the CDC is anticipating a harsh flu season in the U.S. and recommends that individuals get their flu shots between now and mid-October–and by Halloween at the very latest. It takes about two weeks to build immunity after vaccination, so that gives individuals maximum protection by Halloween and for indoor gatherings with family and friends during the holidays.
People may have less natural immunity this season because not as many were infected with influenza in 2020 and 2021 due to precautions taken to prevent COVID-19. In addition, the flu virus may be better equipped to circulate as life is now returning to fewer masks and more social interaction, especially in schools. The more individuals who get flu shots earlier, the less the virus will be able to spread.
COVID and Flu Vaccines During Regular Business Hours
If you’re unable to attend the drive-thru clinic, the health department also offers the flu shot for individuals 6 months of age and older Monday-Friday during regular business hours by appointment (800-847-4262).
During regular hours, the health department also offers the new COVID-19 bivalent booster, or “omicron booster,” that targets both the original strain of the virus as well as the BA.4 and BA.5 omicron subvariants that are currently circulating. They accept walk-ins for COVID-19 vaccines only (though appointments are preferred). Depending on patient volumes, walk-ins may be able to receive a flu shot at the same time as a COVID vaccine. Scheduling an appointment by phone can ensure one receives both vaccines at the same time.
The health department offers COVID-19 vaccines and boosters with no out-of-pocket costs to individuals. If a patient has insurance, the health department may bill the company for administrative costs related to the vaccine.
Except for the free flu shots offered at the drive-thru clinic, the cost for the flu vaccine is $21.90 for anyone 6 months to 18 years old; $30 for the regular flu vaccine for those ages 19 and older; and $65 for the high-dose flu vaccine for ages 65 and older. The flu vaccine is covered by several health insurance plans such as Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, Anthem BlueCross BlueShield, United Healthcare, and others. Individuals will need to bring a Medicare or insurance card, if applicable.
Protection for individuals not receiving the flu vaccine
For people who do not receive the flu vaccine, health officials encourage them to take the following steps to reduce their chances of getting the flu:
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Keep household surfaces clean.
- Don’t attend work or school when ill.
- Don’t share glasses or eating utensils.
Get answers to common flu questions and more information on the 2022-23 flu season here.
The Spalding County Health Department will offer its annual drive-thru flu shot clinic on Thursday, October 20, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Anyone over 13 years old who lives in Spalding County is eligible to receive a free flu shot during the clinic while supplies last.
To find the entrance to the drive-thru clinic using GPS, please use 898 E. Solomon St., Griffin, as the address. All vehicles will need to enter from Solomon Street to Searcy Avenue and then turn right onto Harlow Road. Come around the former Senior Center. The Health Department’s entrance on Memorial Drive will be an exit only for safety.
This will be a flu clinic ONLY. COVID-19 vaccines will NOT be available during the drive-thru clinic.
Based in part on Australia’s 2022 severe flu season earlier this year, the CDC is anticipating a harsh flu season in the U.S. and recommends that individuals get their flu shots between now and mid-October–and by Halloween at the very latest. It takes about two weeks to build immunity after vaccination, so that gives individuals maximum protection by Halloween and for indoor gatherings with family and friends during the holidays.
People may have less natural immunity this season because not as many were infected with influenza in 2020 and 2021 due to precautions taken to prevent COVID-19. In addition, the flu virus may be better equipped to circulate as life is now returning to fewer masks and more social interaction, especially in schools. The more individuals who get flu shots earlier, the less the virus will be able to spread.
COVID and Flu Vaccines During Regular Business Hours
If you’re unable to attend the drive-thru clinic, the health department also offers the flu shot for individuals 6 months of age and older Monday-Friday during regular business hours by appointment (800-847-4262).
During regular hours, the health department also offers the new COVID-19 bivalent booster, or “omicron booster,” that targets both the original strain of the virus as well as the BA.4 and BA.5 omicron subvariants that are currently circulating. They accept walk-ins for COVID-19 vaccines only (though appointments are preferred). Depending on patient volumes, walk-ins may be able to receive a flu shot at the same time as a COVID vaccine. Scheduling an appointment by phone can ensure one receives both vaccines at the same time.
The health department offers COVID-19 vaccines and boosters with no out-of-pocket costs to individuals. If a patient has insurance, the health department may bill the company for administrative costs related to the vaccine.
Except for the free flu shots offered at the drive-thru clinic, the cost for the flu vaccine is $21.90 for anyone 6 months to 18 years old; $30 for the regular flu vaccine for those ages 19 and older; and $65 for the high-dose flu vaccine for ages 65 and older. The flu vaccine is covered by several health insurance plans such as Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, Anthem BlueCross BlueShield, United Healthcare, and others. Individuals will need to bring a Medicare or insurance card, if applicable.
Protection for individuals not receiving the flu vaccine
For people who do not receive the flu vaccine, health officials encourage them to take the following steps to reduce their chances of getting the flu:
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Keep household surfaces clean.
- Don’t attend work or school when ill.
- Don’t share glasses or eating utensils.
Get answers to common flu questions and more information on the 2022-23 flu season here.