- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Press Room
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North Georgia – This fall, the annual Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinics successfully immunized *677 residents against the flu. This initiative provides vital protection and plays a critical role in curbing the spread of the virus within families and communities.
Since the inception of the Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics districtwide in 2007, the North Georgia Health District's Emergency Preparedness team, along with dedicated nurses and Infectious Disease specialists, have joined forces with the Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield County Health Departments to make flu shots accessible and convenient. These drive-thru clinics offer a unique opportunity for community members to receive vaccinations while allowing health officials to refine their emergency response strategies for vaccine distribution during public health crises.
Local partners—ranging from law enforcement to Emergency Management Agencies, Emergency Medical Services, Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs), businesses, and first responders—have rallied together to ensure the success of this initiative. The collaborative effort underscores the importance of community engagement in safeguarding public health.
Flu vaccines are widely available throughout the region, with options at doctors’ offices, pharmacies, and grocery stores. Additionally, every county health department within the North Georgia Health District offers flu shots at little to no cost, depending on individual healthcare coverage. No appointment is necessary during regular clinic hours, making it easier than ever to protect yourself and your loved ones.
The Georgia Department of Public Health reminds residents that flu symptoms can vary greatly and may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills, and fatigue. Vulnerable populations—including those aged 65 and older, individuals with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, and young children—are at heightened risk for serious flu-related complications.
To further combat the flu and other viruses, the public is encouraged to adopt the following preventive measures:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the elbow to prevent germ spread.
- Avoid touching your face to minimize the risk of infection.
- Steer clear of close contact with anyone showing symptoms of illness.
- Regularly clean and disinfect commonly-touched surfaces.
- Stay home if experiencing flu-like symptoms and remain isolated for at least 24 hours after a fever subsides without medication.
For comprehensive information about influenza, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at http://www.cdc.gov/flu.
To learn more about flu vaccines, discover our local public health services (including influenza vaccines and other preventive vaccinations), or locate your nearest county health department in the North Georgia Health District, visit our homepage at www.nghd.org. Together, let's keep our communities healthy and thriving this flu season!
*Of the 677 residents vaccinated this year at the Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics in North Georgia, the county health departments provided the following doses:
Cherokee County....... 92
Fannin County.......... 110
Gilmer County............ 61
Murray County......... 123
Pickens County............ 55
Whitfield County......... 236
*** The North Georgia Health District and each County Health Department wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all media, community partners, and businesses who help promote and support our annual Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics... Thank you! ***
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- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Media Releases
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This applies to all public health services and programs in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties, including our district office, health departments, environmental health offices, WIC services, and The Living Bridge Centers located in Canton, Dalton, and Gainesville.
For the list of all 2024 U.S. Federal Holidays, please visit www.ca2.uscourts.gov/clerk/calendars/federal_holidays.html.
See you Tuesday!
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- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Media Releases
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Update—Thurs. 12:30 PM, 9/26/2024:
Jasper, GA—Pickens County Health Department closed early today, Thursday, September 26th, because of the anticipated hazardous weather conditions. This closure also includes WIC and Environmental Health services in Pickens County.
As a reminder, the North Georgia Health District issued a district-wide media release yesterday stating that all public health services within the district will be closed on Friday, September 27th, due to the storm. The district includes Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties.
All updates are posted to the North Georgia Health District website at www.nghd.org and on the district’s social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
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Update—Thurs. 9:10 AM, 9/26/2024:
Blue Ridge, GA—Due to predicted hazardous weather conditions, the Fannin County Health Department will CLOSE at noon today, Thursday, September 26th. This also includes WIC and Environmental Health services.
The North Georgia Health District announced yesterday in a districtwide media release that all public health services within the district will be closed on Friday, September 27th. The district includes Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties.
All updates are posted to the North Georgia Health District website at www.nghd.org and on the district’s social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
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Update—Wed. 8 PM, 9/25/2024:
Chatsworth, GA—The Murray County Health Department and Environmental Health Office, along with WIC services in Murray, will now be CLOSED both Thursday, Sept. 26th and Friday, Sept. 27, due to the potential for hazardous weather conditions.
All updates will be posted here and on our social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
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Update—Wed. 4 PM, 9/25/2024:
North GA—Due to potentially hazardous weather conditions, all public health facilities in North Georgia Health District 1-2 will be CLOSED on Friday, September 27, 2024. This includes the district office in Dalton, all health departments, WIC offices, and Environmental Health offices in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties, and The Living Bridge Centers in Canton, Dalton, and Gainesville.
All updates for the North Georgia Health District will be posted here and to our social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
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- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Press Room
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North GA—Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics return to North Georgia in October! Conducted annually by county health departments in the North Georgia Health District, these clinics allow residents ages 18 and older to conveniently remain in their vehicles while local public health professionals safely and effectively arm them against the flu.
The shot is available at no cost through most health coverage plans. If paying out of pocket, the price is still relatively low at $25 for a regular flu vaccine and $65 for a high-dose flu vaccine for people 65 and older.
The Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics are scheduled in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties as follows:
- Cherokee: Tuesday, 10/1, 8 am - 2 pm, Woodstock Health Center, 7545 North Main Street, Suite 100, Woodstock, GA 30188 | (770) 345-7371 / (770) 928-0133 (See flyer!) **Click HERE for Woodstock Clinic Media Release**
- Fannin: Tuesday, 10/8, 9 am - 3 pm, Farmers Market, 811 Summit Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 | (706) 632-3023 (See flyer!) **Click HERE for Fannin Clinic Media Release**
- Gilmer: Tuesday, 10/1, 8 am - 3 pm, ETC Pavilion, 1041-1047 Legion Road, Ellijay, GA 30540 | (706) 635-4363 (See flyer!) **Click HERE for Ellijay Clinic Media Release**
- Murray: Tuesday, 10/8, 9 am - 5 pm, Murray County Recreation Department, 651 Hyden Tyler Road, Chatsworth, GA 30705 | (706) 695-4585 (See flyer!) **Click HERE for Chatsworth Clinic Media Release**
- Pickens: Wednesday, 10/16, 9 am - 3 pm, Mt Zion Baptist Church, 1036 North Main Street, Jasper, GA 30143 | (706) 253-2821 (See flyer!)
- Whitfield: Thursday, 10/3, 8 am - 2 pm, Whitfield County Health Department (Upper Parking Lot), 800 Professional Boulevard, Dalton, GA 30720 | (706) 279-9600 (See flyer!) **Click HERE for Dalton Clinic Media Release**
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