Flu activity is currently very high in Georgia – on a scale of 1-13, Georgia is at a 13 according to the latest report released from the Georgia Department of Public Health. If you haven’t already received a flu shot, it’s not too late to get vaccinated and get some protection.

The Long County Health Department is offering free flu shots for uninsured children and adults as long as supplies last. The health department is waiving the vaccine administration fee for individuals without health insurance coverage for the remainder of this flu season. Patients with health insurance may also receive no-cost flu shots, as most insurance plans cover flu vaccine at no charge to the patient.

Appointments are required for vaccination. Call 912-545-2107 to schedule an appointment at the clinic at 584 North Macon Street in Ludowici.

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season. Flu vaccine reduces your risk of getting an influenza infection. If you do catch the flu, the vaccine can lessen the length and severity of your illness.

Vaccination is especially important for individuals at high risk of complications from flu, such as:

• Adults age 65 and older

• Children under age 2

• People who are pregnant

• People who are obese

• People with weakened immune systems

• People with chronic lung conditions like asthma, COPD, and cystic fibrosis

• People with neurologic and neurodevelopment conditions

• People with heart disease

• People with endocrine, blood, kidney, liver, or metabolic disorders

You can protect yourself from the flu by avoiding people who are sick, washing your hands often, and improving air quality by bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.