DeKalb Drive-Thru Flu Clinic rescheduled for Sept. 29

DeKalb County District Health Director Dr. S. Elizabeth Ford finishes giving V-103’s Ryan Cameron his flu shot during CBS Radio Atlanta’s Help Houston Diaper Drive at The Gallery at South DeKalb Mall on Sept. 6.

Tropical Storm Irma caused a temporary, inconvenient detour for those who planned to get their flu shot from the comforts of their vehicle on Sept. 15. Now that the lights are back on and the trees have been clear, health officials are giving residents the green light to drive through on Sept. 29

The DeKalb County Board of Health’s first-ever drive-thru flu shot clinic will take place from noon until 6 p.m. in the Northlake Mall parking lot near Macy’s at 4800 Briarcliff Rd. in Atlanta.

In addition to protecting the community against the flu, the drive-thru clinic will also test the Board of Health’s emergency preparedness capabilities.

Should a bioterrorist attack or widespread disease outbreak occur, public health officials in every county in Georgia must be prepared to dispense medication to all residents within 48 hours of notification.

The flu shot is recommended for anyone age 6 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 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 and checks drawn on banks located in Georgia 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 www.dekalbhealth.net/flu or call 404-294-3700.