The Coastal Health District of Georgia serves the counties of Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long & McIntosh

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Free Flu Shot Events for Uninsured Children and Adults

December 31st, 2025 by CHD Communications

Posted in Bryan News, Camden News, Chatham News, Effingham News, Liberty News, Long News, News |

Flu activity is high in Georgia, and if you haven’t already received your flu shot this season, it’s not too late to get vaccinated. Health departments in the Coastal Health District are offering free flu shot events for children and adults without health insurance.

Free flu shot events for individuals without health insurance coverage (while supplies last):

Bryan County

  • January 12-16 at the clinics in Pembroke and Richmond Hill
  • No appointment needed Monday-Wednesday, 8am-11am & 1pm-4pm, Thursday, 8am-11am & 1pm-6pm, and Friday, 8am-1pm.

Camden County

  • January 1-as long as supplies last
  • No appointment needed Monday-Wednesday, 8-10:30am and 1-3:30pm, Thursday from 8-10:30am and 1-5pm, and Friday from 8-10:30am.

Chatham County

  • January 1-as long as supplies last
  • Appointments are required. Call 912-356-2441 to schedule an appointment at the clinic at 1395 Eisenhower Drive, or 912-651-2587 to schedule an appointment at the midtown clinic at 1602 Drayton Street.

Effingham County

  • January 1-31
  • No appointment needed Monday-Wednesday, 8am-11am & 1pm-4pm, Thursday, 8am-11am & 1pm-6pm, and Friday, 8am-1pm.

Glynn County

  • January 1-31
  • No appointment needed Monday-Wednesday, 8am-11am & 1pm-4pm, Thursday, 8am-11am & 1pm-6pm, and Friday, 8am-1pm.

Liberty County

  • January 5-9
  • No appointment needed Monday-Wednesday, 8am-11am & 1pm-4pm, Thursday, 8am-11am & 1pm-6pm, and Friday, 8am-1pm.

Long County

  • January 1-as long as supplies last
  • Appointments are required. Call 912-545-2107 to schedule an appointment.

McIntosh County

  • January 1-as long as supplies last
  • Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are accepted. Call 912-832-5473 to schedule an appointment.

Patients with health insurance may also receive no-cost flu shots, as most insurance plans cover flu vaccine at no charge to the patient. Call the health department nearest you to confirm that your health insurance is accepted.

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season. Vaccination is especially important for individuals at higher risk of complications from flu, such as:

  • Adults age 65 and older
  • Children under age 2
  • People who are pregnant
  • People who are obese
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • People with chronic lung conditions like asthma, COPD, and cystic fibrosis
  • People with neurologic and neurodevelopment conditions
  • People with heart disease
  • People with endocrine, blood, kidney, liver, or metabolic disorders

Flu vaccine reduces your risk of getting an influenza infection. If you do catch the flu, the vaccine can lessen the length and severity of your illness.

You can also protect yourself from the flu by avoiding people who are sick, washing your hands often, and improving air quality by bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.

Long County Health Department Issues Rabies Alert

December 1st, 2025 by CHD Communications

Posted in Long News, News |

The Long County Health Department is alerting residents that a raccoon in the area has tested positive for rabies. The raccoon was killed by a dog in a residential community off Rye Patch Road near Ludowici on November 25th and tested positive for the illness. The dog has received a booster vaccine to protect against rabies infection, and the dog’s owner has been advised to seek follow-up medical care for any potential rabies exposure.

This is an important reminder to avoid contact with wild animals when possible, and for pet owners to keep their animals up to date on rabies vaccinations.

Several species of wild animals in coastal Georgia – including raccoons, foxes, and bats – can carry rabies. Feral cats and dogs can carry rabies as well. Rabies is a potentially deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals. The Long County Health Department Environmental Health office has these tips to protect you and your family from rabies:

  • Avoid contact with animals you don’t know.
  • Make sure your pets receive the proper immunizations. Dogs and cats should get rabies vaccines after 12 weeks of age, followed by a booster shot within one year and vaccination every 1-3 years depending on veterinary recommendation and vaccine used.
  • Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out at night.
  • Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal control or a properly licensed animal rescue agency for assistance.
  • Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. “Love your own, leave other animals alone” is a good principle for children to learn.

Symptoms of rabies in animals include a change in behavior, biting, aggression, showing no fear of natural enemies (such as humans), foaming at the mouth, and paralysis. If an animal ever bites you, seek medical care immediately and contact Long County Animal Control at 912-545-2287 and the Long County Health Department Environmental Health office at 912-545-2107.

Coastal Health District Hosts December Events for World AIDS Day 2025

November 25th, 2025 by CHD Communications

Posted in News |

In honor of World AIDS Day, the Coastal Health District will host three special events throughout December to raise awareness about HIV, promote prevention, and support community health. Events include an AIDS awareness gathering in Savannah and two free HIV testing events: one in Savannah and one in Brunswick.

Observed annually on December 1, World AIDS Day serves as a global reminder of the ongoing impact of HIV. The day is dedicated to increasing public understanding of HIV, combating stigma and discrimination, improving the lives of people living with HIV, and remembering those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses.

The 2025 theme, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” highlights the importance of ensuring access to HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services, especially during times of social challenges or healthcare disruption. It also calls for continued efforts to eliminate misconceptions and to make sure everyone has equal access to care and support.

The Coastal Health District recognizes the vital role of community engagement and an unwavering commitment to end this epidemic. To support this mission, World AIDS Day events will be held on three dates at three locations:

  • World AIDS Day Awareness Event – Monday, December 1 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Susan Alt CARE Center located at 107-B Fahm St. in Savannah
  • FREE HIV Testing and PrEP – Thursday, December 11 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Chatham County Health Department located at 1395 Eisenhower Dr. in Savannah
  • FREE HIV Testing and PrEP – Thursday, December 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Glynn County Health Department located at 2747 4th St. in Brunswick

All testing is free and confidential, and individuals must be at least 16 years of age to be tested. Results are available in about a minute.

The Coastal Health District’s HIV Program provides medical treatment and case management for those living with HIV/AIDS. All county health departments offer free, walk-in HIV testing, and clinics that provide HIV treatment are located in Savannah, Brunswick and Hinesville.

Please visit coastalhealthdistrict.org/hiv for additional information on the Coastal Health District’s HIV Services.

Bobcat on Jekyll Island Tests Positive for Rabies

November 24th, 2025 by CHD Communications

Posted in Glynn News, News |

The Glynn County Health Department is alerting residents and visitors that a bobcat on Jekyll Island has tested positive for rabies. The bobcat attacked an individual near the intersection of Shell Road and Beachview Drive on November 23rd. The Glynn County Health Department was notified and transported the bobcat for testing at the public health laboratory in Waycross where the animal tested positive for the disease. The individual who was attacked has been advised to seek follow-up medical care for rabies exposure.

This is an important reminder for residents and visitors to avoid contact with wild animals when possible, and for pet owners to keep their animals up to date on rabies vaccinations.

Several species of wild animals in coastal Georgia – including raccoons, foxes, and bats – can carry rabies. Feral cats and dogs can carry rabies as well. Rabies is a potentially deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals. The Glynn County Health Department Environmental Health office has these tips to protect you and your family from rabies:

  • Avoid contact with animals you don’t know.
  • Make sure your pets receive the proper immunizations. Dogs and cats should get rabies vaccines after 12 weeks of age, followed by a booster shot within one year and vaccination every 1-3 years depending on veterinary recommendation and vaccine used.
  • Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out at night.
  • Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal control or a properly licensed animal rescue agency for assistance.
  • Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. “Love your own, leave other animals alone” is a good principle for children to learn.

Symptoms of rabies in animals include a change in behavior, biting, aggression, showing no fear of natural enemies (such as humans), foaming at the mouth, and paralysis. If an animal ever bites you, seek medical care immediately and contact Glynn County Animal Control at 912-554-7500 and the Glynn County Health Department Environmental Health office at 912-279-2940.

Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Pooler

October 27th, 2025 by CHD Communications

Posted in Chatham News, News |

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A raccoon in Pooler in west Chatham County has tested positive for rabies. The Chatham County Health Department’s environmental health office reminds all residents to avoid contact with wild animals and ensure pets are properly vaccinated against rabies.

On October 21st, a resident contacted Chatham County Animal Services after a raccoon attacked their family dog in a residential area near the I-16 and I-95 interchange. Animal services picked up the raccoon, which tested positive for rabies. Fortunately, the dog was up to date on its rabies vaccination and has received a booster vaccine, and no humans were exposed to the raccoon.

This incident is a reminder that several species of wild animals in our area can carry rabies, including raccoons, foxes, and bats. Rabies is a potentially deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals. The following tips can protect you and your family from rabies:

  • Avoid contact with animals you don’t know.
  • Make sure your pets receive the proper immunizations. Dogs and cats should get rabies vaccines after 12 weeks of age, followed by a booster shot within one year and vaccination every 1-3 years depending on veterinary recommendation and vaccine used.
  • Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out at night.
  • Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal services or a properly licensed animal rescue agency for assistance.
  • Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. “Love your own, leave other animals alone” is a good principle for children to learn.

Symptoms of rabies in animals include a change in behavior, biting, aggression, showing no fear of natural enemies (such as humans), foaming at the mouth, and paralysis. If an animal ever bites you, seek medical care immediately and contact Chatham County Animal Services at 912-652-6575 and the Chatham County Environmental Health office at 912-356-2160.

McIntosh County Health Department and Family Connection Host Community Resource Event for Women and Children

October 27th, 2025 by CHD Communications

Posted in McIntosh News, News |

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The McIntosh County Health Department and McIntosh County Family Connection, in conjunction with a host of community partners, will hold Fall into Wellness – A Community Health Event for Women & Children – from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 15th, at the Multipurpose/Senior Center on Highway 57 in Eulonia.

The event is open to the public and will include free giveaways (diapers, wipes, onesies, and child dental health kits while supplies last), raffle prizes (portable baby play yards and gift cards), blood pressure and blood glucose screenings, registration for the GoMo Health platform, and information on resources available through a variety of local agencies.

“This is a great opportunity to connect women and children to resources in our community that will help them find the support they need to stay healthy,” said McIntosh County Health Department Nurse Manager, Brooke Deverger.

McIntosh County Family Connection Coordinator Tracy Sandford said the collaborative approach will help break down barriers to care, enhance health outcomes, and advance health equity for women and children in McIntosh County.

“We want to engage women and help strengthen their circle of care so all our families in McIntosh County will thrive,” she said. “Our goal is to create a healthier community overall.”

In addition to the health department and McIntosh County Family Connection, organizations slated to be at the event include Gateway Community Services Board, Ferst Readers of McIntosh County, Coastal Georgia Community Action Authority, the Glynn Community Crisis Center/Amity House, MAST (McIntosh Advocating for a Substance-free Tomorrow, McIntosh County School System, Ida Hilton Public Library, Coastal Pines Technical College, Coastal Coalition for Children, Amerigroup, and more.

Los departamentos de salud comienzan a ofrecer la vacuna contra la COVID-19 actualizada

October 7th, 2025 by CHD Communications

Posted in Noticias en español |

Los departamentos de salud pública del Distrito Costero de Salud ofrecen la vacuna contra la COVID-19 actualizada para la temporada de virus respiratorios 2025-26. Los suministros son limitados en algunos lugares debido a la continua llegada de vacunas, así que llame a su departamento de salud local para confirmar la disponibilidad y programar una cita.

Los departamentos de salud de los condados de Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long y McIntosh ofrecerán la vacuna contra la COVID-19 de Pfizer, aprobada para su uso en personas de 5 años o más.

La vacunación es especialmente beneficiosa para los adultos mayores de 65 años y para las personas de cualquier edad con afecciones que aumentan el riesgo de enfermarse gravemente por la infección por COVID-19. Los factores de riesgo incluyen cáncer, enfermedades pulmonares, diabetes, afecciones cardíacas, sobrepeso y obesidad, embarazo, entre otros.

No se necesita receta médica para recibir la vacuna contra la COVID-19. Según las últimas directrices de los CDC, las personas pueden tomar sus propias decisiones informadas después de recibir información sobre la vacuna contra la COVID-19.

El costo de la vacuna contra la COVID está cubierto por la mayoría de los planes de seguro médico y existen opciones de vacunación de bajo costo disponibles para personas sin cobertura de seguro médico.

Preguntas frecuentes sobre la vacuna contra la COVID-19

¿Quién puede recibir la nueva vacuna contra la COVID-19 en el departamento de salud?

  • El departamento de salud ofrece la vacuna Pfizer 2025-26, aprobada para personas de 5 años o más.

¿Qué pasa con los niños menores de 5 años? ¿Pueden vacunarse?

  • La vacuna contra la COVID-19 de Moderna ha sido aprobada para niños de 6 meses a 4 años, pero no está disponible en los departamentos de salud del Distrito de Salud Costero. Consulte con el consultorio de su pediatra o farmacia local para ver si tienen la vacuna Moderna para niños pequeños.

Pensé que solo las personas mayores o de alto riesgo podían vacunarse.

  • Las últimas directrices de los CDC enfatizan que los beneficios de la vacunación son mayores para las personas con mayor riesgo de enfermedad grave por COVID-19. Sin embargo, cada persona puede tomar sus propias decisiones informadas después de recibir información sobre la vacuna contra la COVID-19.

¿Quién se considera de alto riesgo de complicaciones relacionadas con la COVID-19?

  • Las personas mayores de 65 años tienen el mayor riesgo de enfermarse gravemente por COVID, y más del 81% de las muertes por complicaciones de la COVID se producen en personas mayores de 65 años.
  • Ciertas afecciones de salud aumentan el riesgo de enfermarse gravemente por COVID a cualquier edad, como cáncer, enfermedades pulmonares, diabetes, afecciones cardíacas, sobrepeso y obesidad, embarazo, entre otras.

¿Necesito receta médica para vacunarme contra la COVID?

  • No se necesita receta médica para vacunarse contra la COVID. Según las últimas directrices de los CDC, las personas pueden tomar sus propias decisiones informadas después de recibir información sobre la vacuna.

¿Cuánto costará la vacuna contra la COVID en el departamento de salud?

  • La mayoría de los planes de seguro médico cubren el costo de la vacuna contra la COVID, incluidos los planes a través de Medicaid y Medicare. El departamento de salud también ofrece opciones de vacunación de bajo costo para personas sin seguro médico.

Mi departamento de salud no tiene la vacuna contra la COVID que necesito. ¿Qué puedo hacer?

  • La mayoría de las comunidades ofrecen varias opciones para la vacunación contra la COVID-19 en consultorios médicos y farmacias, especialmente para personas con seguro médico.
  • Cada departamento de salud de nuestro condado recibe mensualmente un suministro muy limitado de vacunas que podemos administrar a pacientes sin seguro. Si el departamento de salud de su condado no dispone de dosis económicas para personas sin seguro, le recomendamos contactar con algunos condados vecinos para ver si tienen la vacuna económica en existencia.

Health Departments Begin Offering Updated COVID Vaccine

October 7th, 2025 by CHD Communications

Posted in Bryan News, Camden News, Chatham News, COVID-19, Effingham News, Glynn News, Liberty News, Long News, McIntosh News, News |

Para información en español, haga clic aquí

Public health departments in the Coastal Health District are now offering the updated COVID vaccine for the 2025-26 respiratory virus season. Supplies are limited in some locations as vaccine shipments continue to arrive, so call your local health department to confirm availability and schedule an appointment.

The health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh Counties will offer the Pfizer brand of COVID vaccine which is approved for use in individuals 5 years of age and older.

Vaccination is particularly beneficial for adults age 65 and older and individuals of any age with health conditions that increase their risk of getting very sick from COVID infection. Risk factors include cancer, lung disease, diabetes, heart conditions, overweight and obesity, pregnancy, and more. For a list of potential risk factors for COVID-related complications, visit the website cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors.

No prescription is needed to receive a COVID vaccine. According to the latest CDC guidance, individuals may make their own informed decisions after receiving information about the COVID vaccine.

The cost of COVID vaccination is covered by most health insurance plans, and low-cost vaccination options are available for individuals without health insurance coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

Who is eligible to receive the new COVID vaccine at the health department?

  • The health department is offering the 2025-26 vaccine by Pfizer which is approved for use in individuals 5 years of age and older.

What about children younger than 5? Can they get vaccinated?

  • The COVID vaccine by Moderna has been approved for use in children from 6 months to 4 years of age but is not available in the health departments of the Coastal Health District. Please check with your pediatrician’s office or local pharmacy to see if they have the Moderna vaccine for young children.

I thought only older individuals or those at high risk could get vaccinated.

  • The latest CDC guidance emphasizes that the benefits of vaccination are highest for those people most at risk of severe illness from COVID infection. However, individuals may make their own informed decisions after receiving information about the COVID vaccine.

Who is considered at high risk for COVID-related complications?

  • Individuals over age 65 are at highest risk of getting very sick from COVID, and more than 81% of deaths from COVID complications occur in people over age 65.
  • Certain health conditions increase a person’s risk of severe illness from COVID at any age, including cancer, lung disease, diabetes, heart conditions, overweight and obesity, pregnancy, and more.
  • For a list of potential risk factors for COVID-related complications, visit the website cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors.

Do I need a prescription to get a COVID vaccine?

  • No prescription is needed to receive a COVID vaccine. According to the latest CDC guidance, individuals may make their own informed decisions after receiving information about the COVID vaccine.

How much will the COVID vaccine cost at the health department?

  • Most health insurance plans will cover the cost of COVID vaccination, including plans through Medicaid and Medicare. The health department also has low-cost vaccination options for individuals without health insurance coverage.

My health department doesn’t have the COVID vaccine I need in stock. What can I do?

  • Most communities have several options for COVID vaccination through doctor’s offices and retail pharmacies, particularly for individuals with health insurance coverage.
  • Each of our county health departments gets a very limited supply of vaccine we can use for patients without insurance coverage each month. If your county health department does not have low-cost doses available for individuals without insurance, you may want to call around to some of the neighboring counties to see if they have the low-cost vaccine in stock. Click here for contact information for all the county health departments in the Coastal Health District.

Free Breast Cancer Screening Events Scheduled in October

September 24th, 2025 by CHD Communications

Posted in Bryan News, Chatham News, Effingham News, Glynn News, Long News, McIntosh News, News |

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Early detection saves lives, and no one should avoid or delay breast cancer screening because they don’t have health insurance. That’s why several health departments in the Coastal Health District are hosting free breast cancer screening events in October to connect women with life-saving services and raise awareness of a cancer screening program that can help.

Breast cancer screenings are provided year-round through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP) at no cost to women aged 40 and older without health insurance. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, and 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer in her lifetime. If breast cancer is found early, when it is small and has not spread, more treatment options are often available with a better outcome.

October Breast Cancer Screening Events:

Bryan County
Richmond Hill, October 21, 2025
Pembroke, October 29, 2025
Available 8a-3p, closed for lunch 12-1
The Bryan County Health Department will offer free breast and cervical cancer screenings with referrals for a free mammogram. Appointments required. Call 912-756-2611 to schedule in Richmond Hill and 912-653-4331 to schedule in Pembroke.

Camden County
October 8, 2025, 9a-2p
A mobile mammogram unit will be at the Camden County Health Department, 101 Winding Rd. in Kingsland, offering free mammograms for eligible individuals. Appointments can be scheduled in advance by calling 912-882-8515.

Chatham County
October 29, 2025, 8a-3p Event is Full
A mobile mammogram unit will be at the Midtown Clinic, 1602 Drayton Street in Savannah, offering free mammograms for eligible individuals by appointment.

Effingham County
October 2, 2025, 8a-4p
The Effingham County Health Department will offer free breast and cervical cancer screenings at the clinic at 802 US Hwy 119 S in Springfield, with referrals for a free mammogram. No appointment needed.

Glynn County
October 23, 8a-3p
A mobile mammogram unit will be at the health department at 2747 Fourth Street in Brunswick, offering free mammograms for eligible individuals. No appointment needed!

Long County
October 21, 9a-2:30p
A mobile mammogram unit will be at the IGA on US Hwy 84 in Ludowici, offering free mammograms for eligible individuals. No appointment needed!

McIntosh County
October 30, 9a-2p
A mobile mammogram unit will be at the Piggly Wiggly at 15759 US Hwy 17 in Townsend, offering free mammograms for eligible individuals. No appointment needed!

For more information about the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, please visit coastalhealthdistirct.org/bccp.

Mosquito-Borne Eastern Equine Encephalitis Detected in Chatham County

September 11th, 2025 by CHD Communications

Posted in Bryan News, Chatham News, News |

The Coastal Health District is alerting residents of Chatham and Bryan Counties to take precautions against mosquito bites after a chicken in the area tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Chatham County Mosquito Control routinely tests mosquitos and chickens throughout the county, checking for the presence of mosquito-borne viruses that can be transmitted to humans through mosquito bites.

Mosquito control was notified of a positive test result in a chicken on September 9. The chicken was located in the southwestern area of Chatham County, near Bryan County. Mosquito control has been spraying in the area to reduce the mosquito population and will continue to do so.

EEE is a mosquito-borne virus that causes swelling of the brain. In horses, it is fatal 70 to 90 percent of the time. Horse and large animal owners are encouraged to vaccinate their animals against the virus and to clean out watering sources, such as buckets and troughs, every three to four days to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

Although rare in humans, EEE can be very serious. Most people infected with EEE do not show illness, but according to the Centers for Disease Control, severe cases can cause ongoing neurologic problems and death. Symptoms in severe cases of EEE include a sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting. There are no human vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat EEE.

You can reduce your risk of infection with EEE virus by following the 5Ds of mosquito bite prevention:

  • Dusk/Dawn – Avoid dusk and dawn activities during the summer when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Dress – Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin.
  • DEET – Cover exposed skin with an insect repellent containing the DEET or picaridin, which is the most effective repellent against mosquito bites.
  • Drain – Empty any containers holding standing water – buckets, barrels, flowerpots, tarps – because they are breeding grounds for virus-carrying mosquitoes.
  • Doors – Make sure doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly, and fix torn or damaged screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house.   
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