Flu-vaccine clinics being held

The Columbia County Health Department started public flu vaccine clinics last week that will continue through October.

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Walk-in clinics will be held at government buildings and schools throughout the county through Oct. 22.

The vaccine is available as a shot and a mist.

"We're covering three strains of flu this year," said Linda Graves, county nurse manager, who oversees the health department.

The vaccine protects against the H1N1 pandemic flu in addition to the H3N2 and influenza B strains, Graves said.

The vaccine shot is approved for people older than 6 months, including healthy people and those with chronic medical conditions.

The mist is approved for healthy people ages 2-49 who are not pregnant.

The flu mist is not recommended for people with medical conditions that put them at high risk for flu complications, including chronic heart or lung disease, asthma, diabetes or kidney failure.

It also is not recommended for those who take medications that weaken the immune system, children or teens taking aspirin, or people who have severe allergies to chicken eggs or any nasal spray vaccine components.

Those with a history of developing Guillain-Barr Syndrome after taking a flu vaccine also are asked not to take the flu mist.

Anyone covered by Medicaid, Medicare, Peachcare and United Healthcare should bring proof of insurance because the health department can bill those companies.

Flu vaccines cost $25 and the flu mist costs $35. Cash and checks will be accepted.