Press Release from the North Georgia Health District, provided by the Fannin County Emergency Management Agency: Dalton (GA) – Health departments throughout the North Georgia Health District will start conducting drive-by flu shot clinics in September.The drive by flu shot clinics are specially designed to serve people safely, quickly and conveniently as they remain in their vehicles.

These clinics also offer an opportunity for North Georgia Health District health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield counties to test their ability to administer medications to the public quickly during a widespread public health crisis, such as pandemic influenza.

In addition to regular influenza vaccine, the high-dose form of Fluzone vaccine for people 65 and older will be offered at the drive-by clinics.

The cost for the regular flu shot will be $22, and the Fluzone high-dose shot will be $50. Cash, checks, Medicare, Medicaid and State Cigna and State United Healthcare Insurance will be accepted.

The schedule for each county’s drive-by flu shot clinic is as follows:

• Cherokee – Tuesday, October 1, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Woodstock Health Center, 7545 North Main Street, Woodstock; (770) 928-0133

• Fannin – Monday, September 23, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., The Farmers Market, East First Street, Blue Ridge; (706) 632-3023

Faith Hope & Charity and the Gilmer County Health Dept. will offer Flu Shots, Wednesday, October 2, at FHC, 449 Industrial Blvd. Shots from 9:00AM to 10:00AM. $22 per shot. If you are 65 or older, please bring your Medicare Card. The health department will fill your claim.

• Gilmer – Thursday, October 3, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., First United Methodist Church of Ellijay, 75 McCutchen Street, Ellijay; (706) 635-4363

• Murray – Tuesday, September 17, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saint Toribio Romo Catholic Church, 2402 Highway 76, Chatsworth; (706) 695-4585

• Pickens – Wednesday, September 18, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1036 North Main Street, Jasper; (706) 253-2821

• Whitfield – Wednesday, September 18, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center, 2211 Dug Gap Battle Road, Dalton; (706) 226-2621

The best protection against influenza is a flu shot, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get their yearly vaccine.

For more information about the drive-by flu shot clinics or about influenza and its prevention, contact the nearest county health department or log onto www.nghd.org