northwest health district alert:

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Health departments now offering flu vaccines.

Rome, GA:  Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District county health departments are now offering flu vaccines on either a walk-in basis, an appointment basis, or both. Contact your local county health department for specific days, hours, and to confirm if an appointment is needed or not.

High Temperatures in Georgia Raise Health Concerns, Stay Cool, Stay Hydrated, Stay Informed

ATLANTA – With temperatures expected to be in the high 90’s throughout the state for the next several days, and at times feeling like more than 100 degrees with the humidity, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging Georgians to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat and sun, and to limit strenuous outdoor activity to prevent heat related illnesses. To protect your health when temperatures are extremely high, remember to stay cool, stay hydrated and stay informed.

Georgia Sees Uptick in COVID Cases, Vaccination still the best protection for Georgians

ATLANTA – While the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeing an uptick in new COVID cases and hospitalizations related to COVID, the numbers remain relatively low, compared to the state’s peak in January 2022 or even summer COVID increases in previous years.

Public health investigating reports of Cyclospora infection

If you have had diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, or other gastrointestinal symptoms lasting longer than several days, public health officials urge you to talk to your healthcare provider. If not treated, cyclosporiasis can last a month or longer.  Symptoms may subside or go away and then return several times. Your healthcare provider can order testing to confirm the illness and may treat you with antibiotics. 

End of the Public Health Emergency Declaration, What it means for Georgians

ATLANTA – The federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) declaration will expire at the end of the day. Now that we have safe and effective vaccines, ample testing infrastructure, and most people have some level of immunity due to vaccination or infection, COVID-19 is no longer a public health emergency.

CDC simplifies COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, allows older adults and immunocompromised adults to get second dose of the updated vaccine

Following FDA regulatory action, CDC has taken steps to simplify COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and allow more flexibility for people at higher risk who want the option of added protection from additional COVID-19 vaccine doses.

Georgia Department of Public Health Awarded $2,495,831.85 to Support Injury Prevention Efforts

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) was awarded $2,495,831.85 from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). The grant funding is used to provide technical assistance and resources to partner agencies statewide, develop community support for motor vehicle safety programs, support data linkages and help evaluate program efforts.

Flu Vaccination: The Best Protection Against the Flu

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging Georgians to get vaccinated against flu right now. Flu activity is already widespread in Georgia – earlier than we’ve seen in recent years. With Thanksgiving just two weeks away, you have time to protect yourself and your family and friends by not waiting another day to get vaccinated.

If you’ve reached our website looking for information on STD testing or HIV prevention, please either click on “COUNTIES” or a specific county (e.g., Bartow) for contact information for that health department, then call for a confidential discussion of your needs. Thank you.

Treat Yourself to a Safe, Happy Halloween, Follow Safety Tips From DPH

ATLANTA – As the spooky season kicks into high gear this weekend, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) recommends the following tips to help ensure everyone has a safe, fun time while making the rounds at fall festivals, trunk-or-treats, parties, and the traditional door-to-door hunt for goodies.