northwest health district alert:
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. Read More
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.
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.
ATLANTA – If you have not gotten a flu shot yet, do not wait any longer. Flu activity is already widespread in Georgia – earlier than we’ve seen in recent years. “Every individual over the age of six months should get a flu vaccine – not just for their own protection, but to protect others around them who may be more vulnerable to the flu and its complications,” says Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., DPH commissioner. “It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body, so now is the time to get a flu shot.”
Atlanta – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) will begin offering the new bivalent COVID-19 booster this week, as shipments of the vaccine arrive in the state. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommend the bivalent booster manufactured by Pfizer for individuals aged 12 and older; and they recommend the bivalent booster by Moderna for adults aged 18 and older. “All boosters we’re giving at our ten Northwest Georgia health departments will be these new bivalents,” says Dr. Gary Voccio, health director for the Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District.
Atlanta – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and metro Atlanta health districts are offering monkeypox vaccinations at various locations and times during Atlanta Black Pride. A list of vaccination sites and hours of operation can be found on the DPH website. In most cases, walk-ins are welcome.
ROME, GA: The Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District has received limited doses of monkeypox vaccine as part of the distribution of federally funded JYNNEOSTM vaccine to public health districts throughout Georgia. These vaccines are available at no cost to the individual. However, due to a limited number of doses, the vaccines are available online by appointment only, depending on supply, and only for people who are currently eligible for the vaccine.
ATLANTA –The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) continues to closely monitor the current outbreak of monkeypox in the state. As of today, there are 625 confirmed monkeypox cases in Georgia. Testing and vaccination are available in health districts throughout the state; however, vaccine supplies from the federal government remain limited.
Rome, GA: The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is offering COVID-19 PCR testing at kiosks placed in communities across Georgia. In most locations, these kiosks offer access to COVID-19 testing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Currently, the only kiosk in Northwest Georgia is located in the entrance to the Emergency Department at AdventHealth Gordon Hospital, 1035 Red Bud Road, Calhoun.
Monkeypox Vaccine Availability: While not available to the general public, monkeypox vaccine is available through all Northwest Georgia county health departments for individuals meeting certain criteria.
Atlanta – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has begun receiving limited doses of monkeypox vaccine. To date, Georgia has received approximately 3,000 doses of JYNNEOS vaccine – enough for 1,500 individuals since this is a two-dose vaccine series. The vaccine has been distributed upon request to health departments and for vaccination events in two counties. Allocations of monkeypox vaccine from the federal government will increase as production of the vaccine ramps up.
Quickly find and check the scores for restaurants in our area.
Health fairs, meetings, and more – take a look at public health events in your area!
In 2020, nearly 92,000 people died from drug overdoses, making it a leading cause of injury-related death in the United States. In response to this growing epidemic, the Northwest Georgia Department of Public Health has created a mobile app with resources, information, and news pertaining to opioids. The NWGA DPH Opioid Program App “Stories of Recovery” series is a collection of district-wide testimonials for inspiration, encouragement, and hope for those struggling with substance use disorder, seeking recovery, or loved ones supporting someone in this situation. For more information, please visit https://nwgapublichealth.org/opioids/.
Are you or someone you know being forced to work for little or no pay and cannot leave?