CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. () — Flu season is approaching fast, and health officials across coastal Georgia are urging residents to take action now. The updated flu vaccine is now available and getting vaccinated early could make all the difference this season.

According to the CDC, the flu killed about 30,000 Americans last year and affected more than 40 million nationwide. This virus doesn’t wait until winter to strike, and that’s why local health experts are warning that now is the best time to protect yourself.

“This is the perfect time to get your flu vaccine so that you don’t catch it when flu season really starts to ramp up,” said Dr. Bonzo Reddick, the Health Director of the Coastal Health District.

Flu activity in Georgia is currently at minimal levels, but that’s expected to change as cooler weather sets in. The flu shot takes about two weeks to become fully effective, which is why early vaccination is key. High-risk groups such as older adults, children under 2, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic conditions – like asthma or diabetes – face a greater chance of serious complications. However, experts say that healthy people aren’t immune from severe illness either, which makes widespread vaccination crucial to community protection.

“Flu vaccine doesn’t necessarily stop you from having the ability to catch flu, but it does prevent you becoming seriously ill or dying if you do catch flu, and it does decrease the risk probably by about half of actually catching it in the first place,” explained Dr. Reddick.

Flu shots are available now at all Coastal Health District Clinics across eight counties, and they’re offered regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. The eight counties are McIntosh, Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, and Long.

The flu causes more than 200,000 hospitalizations in the U.S. Last year saw a spike that neared 500,000. Early vaccination can cut your risk of severe illness in half.

To locate a flu shot near you by zip code, click here.

For a list of upcoming flu vaccination events through the Georgia Coastal Health District, click here or read below.

Chatham County Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic

• Friday, October 31, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• In the parking lot of Memorial Stadium, 101 John J. Scott Drive in Savannah

Effingham County Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic

• Tuesday, October 7, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• At the Clarence Morgan Recreational Complex, 1750 GA-21 S in Springfield

Glynn County Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic

• Thursday, September 25, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• In the parking lot of the health department at 2747 Fourth Street in Brunswick

Long County

• Drive-thru Clinic, Thursday, September 25, 8:30 a.m. -5:30 p.m.
• In the parking lot of the health department at 584 N. Macon Street, Ludowici

• Flu shot event inside the clinic, Thursday, October 30, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• At the health department at 584 N. Macon Street, Ludowici

McIntosh County Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic

• Thursday, October 9, 9:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m.
• In the parking lot of the health department at 1335 Ga Hwy 57 in Townsend