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- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Press Room
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NORTH GEORGIA — September is National Preparedness Month, an annual observance that reminds individuals, families, and communities that taking simple steps before an emergency can make a big difference when disaster strikes.
This year’s theme, “Americans Stand Ready,” emphasizes the important role each of us can play in protecting ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. National Preparedness Month has been observed each September since 2004 to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies and disasters.
The North Georgia Health District and our Emergency Preparedness Department proudly support National Preparedness Month and encourage residents throughout Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties to use September as an opportunity to strengthen their own preparedness.
Preparedness does not have to be complicated or expensive. A few important steps can help households become better prepared:
- Be in the know. Know where to turn for reliable emergency information and alerts.
- Make a plan. Develop a household emergency plan that includes contact information, meeting places, medical needs, and what to do if family members are separated.
- Build a kit. Gather essential supplies your household may need during an emergency, including water, nonperishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and other necessities.
- Think beyond your household. Being prepared also helps strengthen neighborhoods and communities and supports the work of first responders during emergencies.
Emergencies can occur with little or no warning, but preparing ahead can help people respond more safely and recover more quickly.
Throughout National Preparedness Month, the North Georgia Health District joins emergency preparedness partners across Georgia and the nation in sharing this information and encouraging everyone to take practical steps toward greater readiness—not only during September, but throughout the year. Follow our NPM messages this month on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube.
Learn more about National Preparedness Month and find preparedness tips, planning tools, and resources at Ready.gov.
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- Details
- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Press Room
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NORTH GA — Fall is approaching, and so are the North Georgia Health District’s annual Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinics, returning this fall to all six counties in the district: Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield.
These convenient clinics make getting an annual flu shot simple for adults ages 18 and older. Residents can remain comfortably in their vehicles while local public health teams administer flu vaccinations at designated drive-thru locations.
And this year brings especially welcome news: Pickens County’s Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinic is returning to Jasper, giving residents throughout the North Georgia Health District access to a drive-thru clinic in their county.
The flu vaccine is available at no cost through most health insurance plans. For those paying out of pocket, the cost is $25 for a regular flu vaccine and $123 for a high-dose flu vaccine for adults ages 65 and older.
Our 2026 Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic Schedule Will Have a Great Kick-Off
Our health department’s Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinics will have an especially huge districtwide launch this year, courtesy of radio station 101.1 FM The Pulse and their live broadcast at our first drive-thru in Chatsworth! Please note the following clinic dates, times, and locations:
MURRAY COUNTY Download bilingual flyer
Monday, September 28 | 8 AM – 2 PM
Murray County Recreation Department
651 Hyden Tyler Road, Chatsworth, GA 30705
Murray County Health Department: (706) 695-4585
WHITFIELD COUNTY Download bilingual flyer
Thursday, October 1 | 8 AM – 2 PM
Whitfield County Health Department – Upper Parking Lot
800 Professional Boulevard, Dalton, GA 30720
Whitfield County Health Department: (706) 279-9600
PICKENS COUNTY Download bilingual flyer
Monday, October 5 | 9 AM – 3 PM
Pickens County Recreation Department
1329 Camp Road, Jasper, GA
Pickens County Health Department: (706) 253-2821
FANNIN COUNTY Download bilingual flyer
Tuesday, October 6 | 8 AM – 4 PM
The Farmers’ Market
811 Summit Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
Fannin County Health Department: (706) 632-3023
GILMER COUNTY Download bilingual flyer
Thursday, October 8 | 8 AM – 2 PM
ETC Pavilion
1041-1047 Legion Road, Ellijay, GA 30540
Gilmer County Health Department: (706) 635-4363
CHEROKEE COUNTY Download bilingual flyer
Tuesday, October 20 | 8 AM – 2 PM
Woodstock Health Center
7545 North Main Street, Suite 100, Woodstock, GA 30188
Cherokee County Health Department: (770) 345-7371 / (770) 928-0133
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- Written by: Georgia Department of Public Health
- Category: Press Room
August 28, 2026
Click here for this GA DPH NEWS RELEASE
ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed four additional cases of measles. These cases are close contacts of the measles case confirmed last week. This outbreak is associated with a daycare setting in the metro Atlanta area; the children were either unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated. DPH is working to identify additional close contacts of these cases.
Measles is very contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The measles virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room.
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine can prevent measles and rubella. The vaccine is safe and effective, and parents with questions about the vaccine or the vaccination schedule can consult their physician. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive their first dose of MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between 4 and 6 years of age.
Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, including high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Then, a rash of tiny red spots appears. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.
People with measles symptoms should contact their healthcare provider immediately. DO NOT go to the doctor’s office, the hospital, or a public health clinic without first calling to let them know about your symptoms.
For more information about measles, log on to https://dph.georgia.gov/epidemiology/acute-disease-epidemiology/vaccine-preventable-diseases/measles or https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html.
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NOTE: MMR Vaccine is Available at all our County Health Departments in the North Georgia Health District. Contact the one nearest you at www.nghd.org.
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- Written by: Georgia Department of Public Health
- Category: Media Releases
August 19, 2026
DPH Confirms Measles Case in Georgia
MMR Vaccine is Safe and Effective in Preventing Measles
Click here for this GA DPH NEWS RELEASE
ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed measles in an unvaccinated resident of metro Atlanta. At this time, there is no known travel history or exposure to someone infected with measles. DPH is working to identify anyone who may have had contact with the individual while the individual was infectious.
Measles is very contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The measles virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room.
Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, including high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Then, a rash of tiny red spots appears. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine can prevent measles and rubella. The vaccine is safe and effective, and parents with questions about the vaccine or the vaccination schedule can consult their physician. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive their first dose of MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. For babies aged 6-11 months traveling internationally, the CDC recommends a single dose of the MMR vaccine before travel, followed by two additional doses after their first birthday.
Read the full press release at https://dph.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-08-18/dph-confirms-measles-case-georgia-mmr-vaccine-safe-and-effective.
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NOTE: MMR Vaccine is Available at all our County Health Departments in the North Georgia Health District. Contact the one nearest you at www.nghd.org.
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- DPH: Protect Yourself and Your Family From Cyclosporiasis
- Closed July 3rd for the Fourth!
- DPH: Stay Safe and Healthy this 4th of July!
- National HIV Testing Day is June 27th
- Be Wary of Unpermitted Roadside Food Vendors
- Closed Friday in Observance of Juneteenth
- Back To School Health Screenings & Immunizations Are Now Available!
- Memorial Day Observance, May 25th
- North Georgia Health District Promotes STI Awareness Week, April 12–18
- CLOSED on Good Friday, April 3rd