Flu vaccines now available in metro Atlanta -- and doctors say you should get one now

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Some of the first flu vaccines are now available in metro Atlanta.

Doctors want everyone to get the vaccine early this year as we deal with the coronavirus.

Channel 2′s Carol Sbarge was in Gwinnett County, where she talked to the district health  director there. A shipment of vaccines has already arrived at the Gwinnett County Department of Health.

Most people get flu shots in October or November, but this year, experts say now is the time to get it.

Dr. Audrey Arona said doctors try to push patients to get the flu vaccine every year, but this year, they’re really trying to get the message out.

“If you get the flu, you know your immune system is weakened and as we all know, COVID loves people with a weakened system,” Arona said. “So therefore, you’re more at risk of the severe disease COVID.”

Arona highly recommends a flue shot even if we weren’t dealing with a pandemic.

“The flu vaccine will decrease the severity of the flu if you get the flu, and it also prevents deaths from it,” Arona said.

You can get the flu vaccine at county health departments, doctor’s offices and pharmacies.

Kroger also just announced they’re offering drive-through flu vaccines at the following locations:

• Sept. 16 -- North Point Community Church in Alpharetta
• Sept. 23 -- Gwinnett Church Hamilton Mill in Buford
• Sept. 30 -- Elizabeth Baptist Church in Atlanta

Cox Media Group