Flu vaccine at Health Department

The Catoosa County Health Department is now offering flu vaccines on an appointment basis.

“We’re asking people to call the health department at 706406-2000 to schedule an appointment for their convenience and to help everyone maintain safe physical distancing,” said Shelly Russell, public health nurse at the Catoosa County Health Department, “but typically we can schedule same-day appointments when people call.

“This flu season is going to be more challenging than ever due to the added risk of COVID-19 in our community,” Russell said. “Influenza and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses.

“It is possible for a person to get both the COVID-19 virus and the influenza virus at the same time or back-to-back,” Russell said. “You can protect yourself and others from influenza by getting the flu vaccine early this year, wearing a mask, practicing safe physical distancing, washing hands frequently, and staying home if you are sick with any kind of symptoms.

“It’s more important than ever to get vaccinated,” Russell said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has caused shortages of hospital beds, ICU beds, and ventilators, even outside of flu season. During flu season, when both the flu and COVID-19 will be circulating, hospitals may again face shortages, limiting their ability to care for people who are seriously ill with the flu, COVID-19, or both.”