September 26, 2008

Flu shots are now available at Spalding Regional Urgent Care at Heron Bay, just in time to prepare for the flu season. The vaccine is available for $24 and Medicare can be filed. As with medical care provided at the center, no appointment is needed to receive the flu shot. The Center is located at 3334 Highway 155 South in Locust Grove and is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

October or November is the best time to get your flu shot because infection-fighting antibodies that provide protection against the flu generally take about two weeks to develop in the body. But even if you wait until December or later, a flu shot may still help prevent illness since the flu season can last until May. It is important to remember that a vaccination does not offer complete protection against illness. Even if you do get the flu after being vaccinated, you are at less risk of developing flu-related complications such as pneumonia, heart attack or stroke.

“While some people may experience side effects, a flu shot does not cause the flu,” says Michael W. Turner, MD, a family practice physician at Spalding Regional Urgent Care. “In fact, getting an annual flu vaccination is one of the best ways you can protect yourself, your family and friends this flu season.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly recommends that certain groups of people get vaccinated, including children six months to five years old, pregnant women, people 50 years or age or older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, and health care or child care workers.

People who currently have a fever, had a previous allergic reaction to a vaccine, developed Guillain-Barré syndrome, or are allergic to chicken eggs should not get the flu vaccine.

If you want to stay healthy this fall and winter, remember to wash your hands regularly; stay away from people who are ill; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; and get your flu shot.

Spalding Regional Urgent Care at Heron Bay is located at 3334 Highway 155 South, Locust Grove, Georgia, in the Town Center at Heron Bay. The center is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Staffed by board certified family practice physicians and trained medical professionals, the center provides quick walk-in care and treatment for minor illnesses and injuries. No appointment is needed and most insurance plans are accepted. For more information about Spalding Regional Urgent Care at Heron Bay, visit www.spaldingregionalurgentcare.com.