With COVID-19 cases rising in Georgia and flu season approaching, health officials are urging residents to take precautions like getting vaccinated.
Health officials are encouraging residents to take action as COVID-19 cases slowly climb across Georgia and flu season nears.
Since last October, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has documented 9,311 total positive influenza cases statewide. The DPH hasn’t reported new outbreaks, but officials expect to see an uptick in flu and COVID-19 in the coming months.
Oglethorpe Ear, Nose and Throat in Lexington doesn’t offer vaccines, but patients can schedule appointments for in-office rapid flu and COVID-19 testing. Medical assistant Candice Cowart said the office usually begins to see a rise in testing around this time of year.
“We’ve been seeing an increased number (of COVID-19 testing) in the past two or three weeks,” Cowart said. “Flu, not so much. But I think the majority of that comes kind of closer to the holidays.”
Data from the CDC shows positive flu cases typically peak in January, but it’s a gradual climb, beginning in October. To limit the spread of respiratory viruses like the flu and COVID-19, medical providers encourage early precautions.
“Basically just staying away from people who are sick and keeping your hands washed,” Cowart said. “That’s about it.”
Another way to reduce the risk of flu and COVID-19 is staying up to date on immunizations.
The most recent data from the Georgia DPH shows 2.9% of Oglethorpe County residents were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of August 2024. Meanwhile, COVID-19 associated hospitalizations in Georgia recently rose from 1.8 per 100,000 people at the start of August to 3.4 per 100,000 people during the week of Aug. 23.
Though respiratory virus season doesn’t officially begin until October, the CDC recommends getting vaccinated in September to allow time for antibodies to develop.
Where to get flu shots in county
At Skrip Shoppe Pharmacy in Lexington, some Oglethorpe County residents have already received their flu shots for the season.
“We actually just started giving flu shots this week,” pharmacist Leigh Anne Bridges said. “We usually give about 200 shots per season.”
The pharmacy provides walk-in flu shots to anyone age 13 or older. Children under 12 require a prescription from a medical provider.
Out-of-pocket costs for the regular flu vaccine are $35, and the high-dose formula for adults 65 and older is $85. However, Bridges said most vaccines are free with insurance.
In addition to flu, the pharmacy offers pneumonia, shingles and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) shots. It doesn’t carry the COVID-19 vaccine.
Oglethorpe County residents can also schedule an appointment to get their flu shots at MedLink Oglethorpe in Lexington. For most other vaccines, residents can contact the Oglethorpe County Health Department in Lexington for availability.
Updated COVID-19 shots may be coming
The Food and Drug Administration approved the new COVID-19 formula on Aug. 27, but eligibility is limited.
According to a statement from the Georgia DPH, the updated COVID-19 vaccine isn’t available at local health departments. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is scheduled to meet Sept. 18-19 to review clinical guidance for administering the new vaccine.
Until then, health officials continue to advise Georgia residents to take preventative measures: get vaccinated when possible, practice good hygiene and stay informed as virus activity increases heading into fall.