DECATUR, Ga. – Winter is Coming! While the euphemism may have an entirely different meaning for fans of the “Game of Thrones” television series, for DeKalb health officials, now is the time to for everyone to prepare to combat the spread of influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, that increase during the fall and winter months.
To help the community take that proactive step, the DeKalb County Board of Health is hosting its Passport to Health and Wellness festival and vaccination event on Sat., Sept. 23, from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., at the Board of Health’s Richardson Health Center, located at 445 Winn Way in Decatur.
Three variations of flu shot will be available – Fluarix, for children six months and older; Flublok for adults 18 years and older, immunocompromised individuals, or those who would like a vaccine that may give a higher level of protection; and Fluzone High-Dose for individuals age 65 years and older, providing a higher level of protection for this age group.
In addition to flu shots, the festival will also provide diabetes and blood pressure screenings at no cost, a variety of Board of Health and community health resources and vendors, giveaways, and public safety displays.
Anyone receiving a flu shot should bring their insurance information and photo ID. Flu shots are available at no cost with most private insurance and Medicare. If you are not insured or your plan doesn’t cover the flu shot, it is available for a low cost. Cash, checks (drawn on banks with branch locations in Georgia) and credit/debit cards are accepted. To see if your insurance plan is accepted, please call the Board of Health at 404-294-3700.
At this time, the Board of Health has not received the updated COVID-19 vaccine, approved last week by the FDA and the CDC. When the vaccine is available, the Board of Health will provide it to eligible populations.
After Saturday’s event, flu shots will be available on an appointment and walk-in basis Monday through Friday between 8:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays recognized by the State of Georgia, at the following regional health center locations:
- Clifton Springs Health Center, 3110 Clifton Springs Rd., Decatur
- East DeKalb Health Center, 2277 S. Stone Mountain-Lithonia Rd., Lithonia
- North DeKalb Health Center, 3807 Clairmont Rd. NE, Chamblee
- T.O. Vinson Health Center, 440 Winn Way, Decatur
In addition, flu shots will be available at various events and locations through the Board of Health’s mobile wellness units.
For more information about the flu, COVID-19 or the DeKalb County Board of Health’s immunization programs, including onsite worksite or community clinics, visit dekalbpublichealth.com or call 404-294-3700.