The Carroll County Health Department offers flu shots and the updated COVID-19 vaccine to provide protection against two of the three respiratory illnesses already circulating this season.

Visit district4health.org/make-an-appointment to schedule your visit and learn more about which COVID-19 vaccine brand the health department currently offers for your age group. If you wish, you can schedule both vaccines for the same visit. You also may call (800) 847-4262 to make an appointment. The health department is located at 1004 Newnan Road in Carrollton.

Recommended by the CDC for individuals 6 months of age and older, COVID and influenza vaccines are covered by many insurance plans at no cost to the patient. For adults without health insurance coverage, a federal program will cover the cost of the COVID vaccine and administration fee.

There is a $21.93 administration fee for the influenza vaccine for those who do not have insurance or are underinsured. Vaccines For Children (VFC)-funded COVID and influenza vaccines are available for those 6 months old to 18 years old without health insurance coverage. Unless covered by Medicaid, there is a $21.93 administration fee for those who receive the VFC-funded vaccine. 

District 4 health officials also encourage eligible older adults and pregnant women to talk with their primary doctor about getting the new FDA-approved RSV vaccine, which is available at select doctors’ offices and local pharmacies.

It is important to get your vaccines as soon as possible to protect yourself and loved ones and to help prevent the spread of the viruses, especially before the holidays.

Flu and COVID vaccines cannot completely prevent someone from getting either virus. However, CDC data show vaccines are the key—especially for older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions—in reducing the risk of severe illness, long-term effects, hospitalization, and death.

Vaccination is particularly important for those at high risk of complications if they get sick, including adults 65 and older, children younger than 5, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.

Testing for COVID-19 and flu
Individuals can pick up a free COVID-19 rapid self-test in the front lobby of the health department as supplies remain available.

The Carroll County Health Department also offers COVID-19 PCR testing and rapid testing on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with no appointment needed.

Each U.S. household may place a new order at special.usps.com/testkits for four free COVID-19 rapid self-tests delivered directly to your home. You may also call (800) 232-0233 or TTY (888) 720-7489.