To avoid getting the flu this influenza season, be sure to get a flu shot.  The DeKalb County Board of Health will begin offering shots on Monday, August 20, 2012.

 There are specific groups at high risk of being hospitalized or dying from flu complications.  The high-risk groups are children six months and older, adults 65 years of age and older, and pregnant women.  Also at high risk are individuals with the following conditions:

• Asthma (even if it’s controlled or mild).
• Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions, including disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve and muscle, such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizure disorders), stroke, intellectual disability (mental retardation), moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy and spinal cord injury.
• Chronic lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis.
• Heart disease, such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease.
• Blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease.
• Endocrine disorders, such as diabetes mellitus.
• Kidney disorders.
• Liver disorders.
• Metabolic disorders.
• Weakened immune system due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV, AIDS or cancer and those on chronic steroids).
• People younger than 19 years of age who are on long-term aspirin therapy.
• People who are morbidly obese (having a body mass index of 40 or greater).

Flu vaccinations are available on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday between

8:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the following DeKalb County Board of Health locations:

• Clifton Springs Health Center, 3110 Clifton Springs Road, Decatur, 404-244-2200.
• East DeKalb Health Center, 2277 S. Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road, Lithonia, 770-484-2600.
• North DeKalb Health Center, 3807 Clairmont Road, NE , Chamblee, 770-454-1144.
• T.O.VinsonHealthCenter,440 Winn Way,Decatur, 404-294-3762.
• Refugee Health Services, Richardson Health Center, 445 Winn Way,Decatur, 404-294-3818.

The DeKalb County Board of Health’s fees are:

• Flu vaccination: $20
•  Fluzone high dose: $40

In addition to the standard flu vaccine, Fluzone high-dose will be available.  It creates a stronger immune response in people 65 years and older than the standard vaccine.

Checks (on Georgia banks), cash, credit cards, Medicaid, Medicare (part B) and PeachCare for Kids are accepted.  Please bring your card.

Individuals with health insurance through the State Health Benefit Plan can receive their flu vaccination at any Board of Health location.  Please bring your card.

On-site flu clinics are available for businesses and faith-based and civic groups of 10 people or more.  Call the nearest health center to make arrangements.

For more information about the DeKalb County Board of Health’s flu vaccination program, call (404) 294-3798 or visit dekalbpublichealth.com.