A Few Flu Shots Are Available

The Jasper County Health Department has received a limited supply of flu vaccine and begun offering shots to “high risk” residents—pregnant women, those over 50 or those who have certain chronic ailments or live with or care for someone with such conditions.

In a new “open access” procedure the department will in most cases see patients on the day they call or come by 8:30 a.m. Residents still may schedule appointments and get more information by calling 706-468-6850.

The North Central Health District in Macon, which serves Jasper, received about 20 percent of the vaccine ordered, officials said. Shots will be offered to all who request them as additional shipments arrive. No children’s vaccine has been received, and those patients are being referred to their personal pediatricians.

Dr. Joseph Swartwout, district health director, said, “We plan to immediately distribute the remainder of flu vaccine once the supply is shipped to us. Shipment has been delayed and we are behind where we expected to be at this point in the flu season. Although we don’t know the exact date the bulk of our flu vaccine will arrive, we hope to offer flu clinics to the general public sometime in November.”