Health departments throughout the North Georgia Health District will start conducting drive-by flu shot clinics in September.

The drive by flu shot clinics are specially designed to serve people safely, quickly and conveniently as they remain in their vehicles.

These clinics also offer an opportunity for North Georgia Health District health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield counties to test their ability to administer medications to the public quickly during a widespread public health crisis, such as pandemic influenza.

In addition to regular influenza vaccine, the high-dose form of Fluzone vaccine for people 65 and older will be offered at the drive-by clinics.

The cost for the regular flu shot will be $22, and the Fluzone high-dose shot will be $50. Cash, checks, Medicare, Medicaid and State Cigna and State United Healthcare Insurance will be accepted.

For assistance with well-water, septic systems and mold issues related to floods in Gilmer and Pickens Counties, call Gilmer County Environmental Health at 706-635-6050 and Pickens County Environmental Health at 706-253-0900.

If you have dead animals on your property as the result of recent flooding, public health officials recommend that you do the following:  If you know the animal owners, contact them and ask that the animals be picked up.  If you do not know who owns them, you may bury dead animals on your property under at least two feet of cover and at least 200 feet away from any wells, springs, lakes and streams.  Use rubber gloves when handling carcasses and wash your hands using a disinfectant soap.  For more information, contact Danny Green with the Georgia Department of Agriculture at 770-535-5955.

For all persons involved in floodwater clean-up efforts, public health officials recommend that you make sure you are current on your Tetanus vaccine, which is contained in the Tdap shot (Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis).

Tetanus is a serious infection caused by bacteria that affects the muscles and nerves. It enters the body through breaks in the skin, such as cuts and puncture wounds. It can lead to “locking” of the jaw so the victim cannot open his mouth or swallow. Tetanus can be fatal.

A Tetanus shot is recommended every 10 years. Protection against tetanus is especially needed if you have worked or are working in flooded areas.

Please be sure to check your immunization history prior to asking for the vaccine, as you may already be protected. You may check with your medical provider, county public health department, workplace employee health service, etc.

For children under age 19, contact your child’s pediatrician.

Pregnant women can be protected against tetanus but should consult with their prenatal healthcare provider prior to receiving the vaccine.

Tetanus vaccine should not be administered to people who have had a severe reaction to the vaccine. This is very rare, and if you are not protected, working on this clean-up effort should be done with caution. The vaccine information sheet (VIS) provides complete information about the vaccine and is available when you get the vaccine.

For more information on tetanus and the Tdap vaccination, log onto CDC’s website at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/tetanus/ or contact your local public health department.

Now that the recent flood waters in our area have receded and the most immediate safety hazards have passed, it’s time to address the secondary health issues that can develop as the result of floodwater pollutants.

Be sure to protect your home, family and business by following these easy guidelines from Gilmer County Environmental Health.

CONTACT WITH FLOOD WATERS - Swimming and similar recreational water activities are not advised at this time. Flood waters contain large amounts of contaminants of all kinds. Many thousands of dead chickens have been washed into the streams and rivers. These fast flood waters will carry these contaminants downstream quickly but for now do not have contact with flood waters. Fishing and other non-contact activities are not affected by this advisory.

SANITIZING FLOODED AREAS – Floors, walls, equipment and furniture that have been covered with flood waters should be cleaned and sanitized to kill any disease bacteria or viruses. Flood waters usually have sewage from over-running sewers and septic systems, manure and other contaminants. Wear gloves, eye protection and boots when working with contaminated areas and items. An easy sanitizing solution is made from a quarter cup of household bleach and one gallon of water. Items should be cleaned with soap and water, rinsed and then sanitized with the bleach solution. This will kill any disease germs and help prevent mold. Do not mix bleach with any ammonia product and work in well-ventilated areas.

Public health officials are cautioning against swimming and other recreational water activities in Gilmer County’s Coosawattee, Ellijay and Cartecay Rivers and their tributaries.  Flooding washed large amounts of manure, sewage and thousands of dead chickens into these waters.  Fast flood waters will wash these contaminants downstream very quickly, but for now avoid activities that would put you into direct contact with these waters.  Fishing and non-contact activities are not affected by this advisory. 

Wells and springs that were covered by flood waters, even temporarily, should be considered contaminated and not used for drinking.  Contact the Gilmer County Environmental Health Office for directions in disinfecting and testing your well water.

Mold will grow in almost any home materials that were flooded.  Remove all wet materials such as sheetrock and allow wood studs to dry completely before replacing. 

Throw out any foods that were touched by flood waters.  It is not worth the risk.

Treat temporary pools left by flood waters for mosquito larvae using Mosquito Dunks available at any home supply or hardware store.

Click here for more details on our website on how to Prevent Potential Health Problems from Recent Flooding or go to Emergency Preparedness and Response information for Flood Water After A Disaster or Emergency from the CDC. 

THE WHITFIELD COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT AT 800 PROFESSIONAL BOULEVARD IN DALTON WILL CLOSE EARLY FOR MAJOR AIR CONDITIONER REPAIR ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 31 THROUGH FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE WHITFIELD COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ON WEDNESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 7:30 A.M. UNTIL NOON. NORMAL OPERATING HOURS AT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT ARE EXPECTED TO RESUME ON MONDAY, AUGUST 5.

Dalton (GA) - The Whitfield County Health Department is encouraging parents to get vaccines and health screenings needed for their children this month to beat the back-to-school rush! These services are offered on a walk-in basis, no appointment necessary, at the Whitfield County Health Department.

Children enrolling in any Georgia school, Pre-K, Kindergarten, or Child Care program must present a Certificate of Immunization (Form 3231). In addition, children enrolling in Pre-K, Kindergarten and any Georgia school must present Form 3300 (Certificate of Eye, Ear, and Dental Exam).

The health department’s Children’s Clinic Supervisor Angie Callaway, RN, BSN, stated, “The vaccine requirements differ depending on the age of the child. It is very important to check now to determine if your child needs vaccines and/or a certificate for school or child care entry.”

For example, children under five (5) who attend child care facilities (including Pre-K) must have two (2) doses of Hepatitis A (Hep A) vaccine or laboratory proof of immunity. All children entering sixth grade must have two doses of Measles vaccine, two doses of Mumps vaccine, and one dose of Rubella vaccine or laboratory proof of immunity against Measles, Mumps and Rubella and have two doses of Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or provider diagnosed documentation of disease or laboratory proof of immunity.

Contact the Whitfield County Health Department at 706-226-2621 or your health care provider to obtain needed vaccinations, health screenings and required certificates.

Click poster to enlargePrepare your child for the upcoming school year! The Cherokee County Health Department will conduct a Back To School Health Clinic from 2 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30 at both public health centers in Canton and Woodstock. Hearing, Dental and Vision Screenings will be offered for $30.00, and Immunizations will be provided for School-age Children (there is a charge for vaccines). Medicaid is accepted. Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services will have a Fire Engine and Booster Seat Distribution Booth at both locations! The Canton public health center is located at 1219 Univeter Road, and the Woodstock public health center is at 7545 N.   Main Street. For more information, please call (770) 345-7371 in Canton, or call (770) 928-0133 in Woodstock.

  click poster to enlarge/DownloadGet your child’s car seat checked for FREE at the Murray County Health Department ON TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013 FROM 8 AM TO 4 PM. THE MURRAY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT is located at 709 Old Dalton-Ellijay Road in Chatsworth.

Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be on hand to check child car seats and child restraint installations to make sure they are properly installed.

Buckling up your child the right   way for every ride is the most important thing you can do to keep your child safe in the car, so join us for this free child car seat check event!

Call for more information at (706) 695-4585 or log onto www.safekidsgeorgia.org.