Everyone here at the Macon County Health Department wishes you a happy, safe, and healthy holiday season. Always Wear Your Seatbelt; Drive Sober; Focus on the Road; Don’t drive distracted; Don’t Drive Drowsy. Make it to your family safe this Thanksgiving.

Flu shots are available at the health department Monday-Thursday from 7:45 am-5:30 pm, no appointment necessary. Due to unavailability of the flu mist we will not provide flu vaccinations in schools this year-sorry! We encourage you to bring your child in to the office or to see your medical provider for the flu shot.

Our annual drive thru flu shot clinics will be on Tuesday October 4 from noon until 6:00 p.m. at three different locations: Atlanta Community Center; Callao Christian Church, and, Macon County Fairgrounds for adults 18 and older.  Bring your insurance, Medicaid or Medicare card or you can self-pay (under 65 years – $30.00; 65 years and older – $50.00).  Our drive thru flu vaccination clinics will be conducted as a public health emergency preparedness exercise that will help strengthen the health of our community.  Our services are provided on a non-discriminatory basis.

Prenatal classes will be conducted free of charge for expecting parents or new parents.  Session 1 on September 15 will cover stages of delivery; diapering; bathing; and cord/circ care.  Session 2 on September 22 will cover feeding; immunizations; safe sleep; and car seat safety.  Classes are free of charge and will be held 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm at the Macon County Health Department.  Moms and Dads and babies are all welcome.  Attend both sessions and your name will be entered to win a Pack ‘n’ Play, and infant carrier car seat, or a baby care package.  Services are provided on a non-discriminatory basis.  Contact the health department at 660-395-4711 to register for this free class.

The Center for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (APIC) has decided that the FluMist vaccine should not be used during the 2016-2017 flu season; and, they have passed a resolution to remove the FluMist vaccine from the Vaccines For Children program.  This decision was made due to recent data that shows poor or relatively lower effectiveness of the FluMist from 2013 through 2016.  APIC does, however, continue to recommend annual flu vaccination with inactivated influenza vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.

The CDC further recommends the use of Flucelvax Quadrivalent, a flu vaccine made using technology that does not rely on eggs for manufacturing.  This is an antibiotic-free, preservative-free, and latex-free vaccine that was previously approved for individuals 18 and older, but it is now approved for children 4 years of age and older.  Since this is an egg-free vaccine, it can be given to children with severe egg allergies.

Please contact your provider or the Macon County Health Department at 660-395-4711 for questions regarding flu vaccines for this upcoming flu season.