DECATUR, Ga. – While high temperatures are a normal part of Georgia summers, DeKalb County health officials want you to avoid seeing triple digits on your medicine cabinet thermometer in the weeks to come by getting your flu shot sooner, rather than later.

Today, the DeKalb County Board of Health began offering flu shots to the public at its health centers. Flu shots will be available on a 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 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

The Board of Health will also conduct its first-ever drive-thru flu shot clinic on Friday, September 15, from noon until 6:00 p.m., in the Northlake Mall parking lot near Macy’s at 4800 Briarcliff Rd. in Atlanta.

The shot is recommended for anyone age six months and older, particularly those who are at high risk of serious flu complications. These groups include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease) and those who are age 65 and older. Two vaccine options will be offered at the health centers, the standard vaccine for $30 and the high-dose vaccine for those ages 65 and older for $65. Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Cigna, Medicaid, Medicare Part B, PeachCare for Kids, and State Health Benefit Plan (excluding Kaiser Permanente) are accepted. Cash, checks drawn on banks located in Georgia, and credit/debit cards are also accepted. Other insurances may be accepted, but you are asked call ahead to verify acceptance and all are asked to bring your insurance card.

For more information about the flu or the DeKalb County Board of Health’s immunization programs, including on-site worksite or community flu clinics, visit dekalbpublichealth.com/flu or call (404) 294-3700.