Georgia Coastal Health District

Updated July 14, 2022

The Chatham County Health Department has lifted the beach water advisory for North Beach at Gulick Street, which extends from the north jetty to Lovell Street on Tybee Island.

The advisory was issued on July 12, 2022, after routine water quality tests showed a high level of enterococci bacteria which increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness in swimmers. Subsequent water samples showed the bacteria levels had dropped below Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended limits. Therefore, the advisory has been lifted.

July 12, 2022

The Chatham County Health Department has issued a beach water advisory for North Beach at Gulick Street, which extends from the north jetty to Lovell Street on Tybee Island. This advisory is only for the specified area and does not impact any other beach locations on the island.

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The Department of Natural Resources – Coastal Resources Division tests water samples at Georgia beaches throughout the year. The test screens for enterococcus (pronounced: en·ter·o·coc·cus) bacteria, which are found in humans and some wildlife. When a beach is under advisory, it means the level of bacteria found in the water is above the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended standards. Periodic advisories are not unusual, and sources of the bacteria could include animal waste, storm water runoff, or boating waste.

The advisory does NOT mean the beach is closed. Beach water advisories alert the public of a possible risk of illness associated with water contact in the advisory areas. The Health Department recommends you do not swim or wade in the water in the area under advisory.

Fish and other seafood caught from the area should be thoroughly washed with fresh water and thoroughly cooked before eating, as should fish or seafood caught from any waters. The area will be re-tested this week, and the advisory will be lifted when the bacteria levels meet the EPA’s recommended standards. Get more information about beach water testing and advisories on our website.

Hey there West Chatham residents – we need to hear from you!

Chatham County is exploring the possibility of including public health services in a new multipurpose government facility near the airport serving Pooler, Garden City, Bloomingdale, Port Wentworth and surrounding areas.

Georgia Southern University has developed a short survey to assess the need. Please take a moment to click the link and weigh in – the more participation we get, the better we can understand our community’s needs. Share widely!

Survey Link –> https://georgiasouthern.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e4moFzpv6TjR4yO

The Chatham County Health Department will hold several meningitis vaccination clinics for teens in July and August to help local students get up to date on required school vaccines. This fall, all Georgia students going into 11th grade who are at least 16 years of age must receive a booster shot to protect against meningitis.

“This new booster shot requirement became effective last summer,” said Chatham County Health Department Nurse Manager Dr. Sierra Peebles, “but this school year will be the first time the requirement is strictly enforced. We want to make this easy and convenient for families, so we’ve scheduled several special clinics for teens who need this booster.”

Six vaccination events for teens will be held at the Eisenhower Clinic at 1395 Eisenhower Drive from 3-6 p.m. on the following dates:

• July 14
• July 21
• August 4,
• August 11
• August 18
• August 25

Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling the Chatham County Health Department at 912-356-2441. A parent or guardian must accompany the child to the appointment. Most insurance will be accepted, and a nominal administration fee will be charged for those without insurance.

The meningococcal booster shot helps prevent meningococcal disease, a bacterial infection that is very serious and can be deadly in a matter of hours. Meningitis is a swelling of the brain and spinal cord and can result in brain damage, hearing loss, or worse. Disease levels increase in adolescence starting around age 11, and peak around age 19 years. Georgia students already receive a meningococcal vaccination before entering 7th grade, and this new booster will provide added protection during these peak years of risk.

Updated June 1, 2022

The AC system at the Chatham County Health Department’s main clinic has been repaired, and the clinic will open Thursday, June 2, 2022 as normal.

Updated May 31, 2022:

The main clinic, dental clinic, and vital records office of the Chatham County Health Department at 1395 Eisenhower Drive will remain closed while the air conditioning system undergoes repairs. Clients with impacted appointments will be contacted to reschedule.

The closure does not impact Environmental Health services, or services at the COVID-19 Vaccination Annex, the COVID-19 Testing Site, or the Midtown Clinic at 1602 Drayton Street.

All services will resume as soon as the necessary parts have arrived and the air conditioning system is again operational.

Original post: May 30, 2022

The main clinic and vital records office of the Chatham County Health Department will be closed on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, as the air conditioning system is repaired. Clients with impacted appointments will be contacted to reschedule.

The following services will be unavailable May 31 at the main clinic at 1395 Eisenhower Drive:

• Clinical services
• Child dental services
• Vital records

The closure does not impact Environmental Health services, or services at the COVID-19 Vaccination Annex, the COVID-19 Testing Site, or the Midtown Clinic at 1602 Drayton Street.

All services are anticipated to resume at the main clinic on Wednesday, June 1, once the air conditioning system is operational.