If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, don’t worry because it’s not too late. The flu virus is still off to a slow start in Atlanta. The CDC in Atlanta Georgia reports:
“…flu activity in the United States increased for the week ending February 4, 2012. The percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza nationally rose to 10.5 percent from 7.6 percent the prior week.”
The CDC reported that the positive samples (lower than 10 percent) of the flu virus are the lowest in 29 years.
It is very important for seniors and young children to be vaccinated for the flu because they are most at risk for mortality. There have been two pediatric deaths in California due to the flu virus. In fact, the CDC reported:
“…California – is the first to report widespread geographic influenza activity this season. Additionally, the second pediatric death of the season was reported in this week’s FluView, which was associated with an unsubtyped influenza A virus.”
Normally, by mid February, it would be too late to get the flu shot, but since the incidence of the flu virus is so low here in Atlanta, you can still get a flu shot to protect yourself and your family from the illness.
Where can you get your flu shot? You can go to your family doctor for the immunization, or you go to any of the participating pharmacies. There may be other pharmacies participating, but here are four major pharmacies in Atlanta offering flu shots:
Rite Aid
All Rite Aid pharmacies offer flu shots without appointments at specific hours. Call a Rite Aid near you for their hours.
CVS Pharmacy
All CVS Pharmacies offer flu shots every day (when open) without an appointment. Call a CVS near you for their hours.
Publix Pharmacy
Publix Pharmacy in Atlanta offers flu shots to everyone who is 6 months of age and older. Call a Publix near you.
Sources:
Personal knowledge of the pharmacies offering flu shots
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