County: Not Too Late to Give Kids Flu Shot

An announcement from the DeKalb County Board of Health, also posted on the DeKalb School District website.

The DeKalb County Board of Health is encouraging parents to get their children vaccinated against flu. It’s not too late.

Flu season usually peaks between February to March. You can get your children vaccinated to protect them from flu viruses that are still circulating.

The Georgia Department of Public Health reports that flu activity is happening across the state. There have been 20 laboratory confirmed flu-deaths since the flu season began. Anyone can get the flu and spread it to others. However, people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, cancer or Sickle Cell Anemia are at higher risk of getting flu-complications that may result in hospitalization and even death.

“We know that H1N1 appears to be the predominant strain and it is covered in this year’s flu vaccine,” said S. Elizabeth Ford, M.D., M.B.A, District Health Director of the DeKalb County Board of Health. “We urge parents to get both themselves and their children vaccinated. With the ongoing changes in weather and children returning from the holidays, it is a good way to add an extra layer of protection to keep your children and your family from getting sick from the flu.”

Symptoms of the flu include cough, runny nose, sore throat and fever. One of the most pronounced flu symptoms is an overall feeling of achiness and discomfort that comes on quickly. It is important that if you are experiencing these symptoms, especially a fever, that you stay home until you are well.

“Protecting our school children with a flu vaccination, so that they don’t end up getting sick and missing critical days of instruction, is important,” said Superintendent Michael Thurmond, DeKalb County School District. “It is also important that teachers/staff receive the vaccine to protect themselves and the students. “

The DeKalb County Board of Health offers affordable flu shots at all of its health centers on a walk-in basis. In addition, the health department works closely with the DeKalb County School District to provide on-site school flu vaccination clinics for teachers, students and parents.

For more information about the Board of Health’s on-site school flu vaccination program, call Patricia Joseph, R.N., M.B.A., Manager of Nursing Services, DeKalb County Board of Health, phone: 404-294-3798, email: pajoseph@dhr.state.ga.us or visit: www.dekalbhealth.net