In Brunswick, Georgia, the urgency to vaccinate is underscored by the state’s alarming flu statistics. Health experts strongly advise individuals with young children, expectant mothers, caregivers for the elderly, and those managing chronic health issues to prioritize getting their flu shot. The current flu activity remains notably high throughout Georgia, making vaccination more critical than ever.

Georgia’s latest health report reveals a concerning toll: 29 flu-related fatalities and 73 outbreaks have been documented since the flu season began, extending up to December 27. These numbers highlight the pressing need for increased vaccination efforts.

To address these concerns, the Department of Health in Glynn and Camden counties is providing free flu shots to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder access to this vital preventive measure. This initiative aims to curb the rising number of flu cases and protect the community’s well-being.

In Glynn County, at the Brunswick health department, many residents are taking the opportunity to receive their vaccinations immediately, demonstrating a proactive approach to their health during this challenging flu season.

“I don’t want to get sick,” said Marshall Thigpen, who received a flu shot alongside his girlfriend. “And we know somebody that recently just got the flu.”

Thigpen said the decision to get vaccinated didn’t require much planning.

“I was just hanging out with my girlfriend, and she decided to get a flu shot, so I’m getting one too,” he said. “It was easy. There was no line. We just signed in, and I didn’t even feel it when [the nurse] did it.”

Health officials say even when the flu vaccine doesn’t completely prevent illness, it can still prevent the worst symptoms.

“Even if people do get the flu, it will lessen the severity of it and hopefully have them recover quicker than they would without the vaccine,” Thigpen said.

Adam Sanchez, a nurse manager with the Glynn County Department of Public Health, said the health department is working to make vaccinations accessible to everyone.

“Flu vaccines [are] at no cost to the customers with no insurance or underinsured,” Sanchez said. “Also, people who have private insurance—most of their insurance plans cover. We don’t charge any co-pays, so we’re just trying to do everything we can to remove barriers for people to get a vaccine.”

Sanchez also encourages residents to maintain good hygiene practices, including handwashing and healthy respiratory etiquette, to help slow the spread of illness.

While vaccination remains a key prevention tool, Sanchez says it’s important to seek medical care if symptoms worsen.

“If people have influenza, they will probably need to discuss it with their provider to discuss the need for antiviral medication,” Sanchez said. “But if people are not improving, their fevers continue to return and get higher, [or] they’re having symptoms of dehydration or severe weakness, they should probably visit an emergency room.”

According to the Glynn County Health Department, no appointment is required to receive a flu shot. Health officials continue to urge anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated yet to do so.