Wednesday, November 27, 2002

There's still time to fight the flu

December's not too late to vaccinate

The holidays are a hectic time of year. There are meals to prepare, lists and calls to make: just a frenzy of activity. Don't be sidelined by the flu; get a flu shot today.

In the United States, the flu season can range from November through March, and has lasted beyond March in some years. The months with the heaviest flu activity (peak months) are generally December through March.

When influenza vaccine is administered, immunity is gained in approximately two weeks, so taking a flu shot now would provide protection through the peak months of the season and beyond. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that efforts to vaccinate against influenza continue through December and later.

About 93 million doses of influenza vaccine were made available on the U.S. market. This is a record production.

There is still quite a bit of vaccine on hand at the Fayette County Health Department. Clients are encouraged to make an appointment, but walk-ins are accepted.

Clinic hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please stop by the clinic in the county's Stonewall administrative complex or call 770-461-1178, ex. 5416 for an appointment.

Flu shots cost $15. The Health Department accepts cash, check, Medicare and Medicaid as payment.

Elsewhere in Fayette County:

Fayette Community Hospital does not administer flu shots to the general public.

Southeastern Primary Care in Fayetteville is giving flu shots to anyone, not just their established patients. You will need your insurance information, or you can pay $25 out of pocket. The clinic is at 105 Carnegie Place, Suite 103, near the intersection of Ga. highways 85 and 279. Hours are 7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday.

The Doctor's Office in Peachtree City charges $22, or established patients can make a standard co-payment. The office is at 3000 Shakerag Hill, off Ga. Highway 54 and Robinson Road, and is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday.

Tyrone Family Medicine, at 110 Lloyd Ave in Tyrone, gives flu shots to walk-ins for $15. They are open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. every weekday except Wednesday, when the hours are 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The office is just of Ga. Highway 74 and Tyrone Road.

Flu shots at Fayette Medical Clinic are $26 for established patients and are usually paid by insurance. New patients may get them, but they will need to see a doctor first for a quick checkup for allergies, etc. No appointment is necessary. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and 8-11 a.m. Saturday. There are two locations: 101 Yorktown Dr. in Fayetteville, just off Ga. Highway 54, and 4000 Shakerag Hill in Peachtree City.