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

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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 |

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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.   

UPDATE: Boil Water Advisory Lifted for City of Darien

September 10th, 2025 by CHD Communications

Posted in McIntosh News, News |

Updated September 12, 2025

The City of Darien has lifted the boil water advisory for its water service customers. Residents may now resume normal use of tap water for drinking, cooking, food preparation, and all other purposes.

Information for Food Service Facilities, Hotels, and Motels

The following information is from the National Restaurant Association:

Once the advisory is lifted and you’re notified the water supply is usable, take these actions to ensure the safety of your food and beverages:

  • Flush ice machines by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Also take the following steps: Throw out any remaining ice, flush the water line to the machine inlet, close the valve on the water line behind the machine, disconnect the water line from the machine inlet, open the valve and run 5 gallons of water through the valve, dispose of the water, and close the valve.
  • Flush the pipes throughout your facility by running each faucet with cold water for at least 15-30 minutes.
  • Flush, clean, and sanitize appliances that use tap water, such as beverage dispensers, coffee and tea urns, ice machines, glass washers, and dishwashers. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle.
  • Get your hot water tanks flushed.
  • Run your drinking fountains continuously for at least 5 minutes to flush the system.
  • Replace and sanitize water filter cartridges according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

September 10, 2025

On September 10, 2025, the City of Darien reported it has temporarily cut water service due to a water main break and issued a boil water advisory. Once the break is repaired, customers should boil drinking water until test results confirm the water is safe for consumption.

To properly boil tap water for use, customers should:

  1. Heat water until bubbles come quickly from the bottom of the container;
  2. Continue heating the water for one minute once it begins to boil;
  3. Remove the water from the heat source and allow it to cool before use.

During a Boil Water Advisory, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that boiled tap water or bottled water be used for the following:

  • Drinking
  • Washing dishes
  • Brushing your teeth
  • Washing or preparing food and baby formula
  • Making ice
  • Drinking water for pets

Other activities, such as cloth washing and dish washing, can be done without boiling tap water if done properly. The complete CDC guidance can be found at this website.

Information for Food Service Facilities, Hotels, and Motels

All food service facilities, hotels, and motels in the advisory area MUST use boiled water or bottled water for cooking, cleaning of food contact surfaces, dishwashing, and handwashing. Additionally, use of ice makers and post-mix soda machines should be discontinued. If a facility cannot implement these measures, they should contact the McIntosh County Environmental Health office for further guidance.

Free Mammograms October 29 at the Chatham County Health Department’s Midtown Clinic

September 10th, 2025 by CHD Communications

Posted in Chatham News, News |

Are you due for a mammogram but concerned about the cost? The Chatham County Health Department is now scheduling appointments for a free mammogram event. The St. Joseph’s/Candler Mobile Mammography Unit will be at the health department’s midtown clinic at 1602 Drayton Street on October 29 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Appointments are limited and must be scheduled in advance by calling the Chatham County Health Department’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP) at 912-356-2946 or 912-307-9235.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, and 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. If breast cancer is found early, when it is still small and has not spread, more treatment options are often available and better outcomes are more likely.

Regular mammograms are low-dose X-rays of the breast that can help detect cancer at an early stage, sometimes years before physical symptoms appear. It is recommended that women with an average breast cancer risk begin regular mammogram screenings at age 40.

The BCCP provides screenings year-round for eligible women throughout the state of Georgia. For more information about available services, please visit coastalhealthdistrict.org/bccp.

Flu Vaccine Now Available at Health Departments in Coastal Georgia

September 2nd, 2025 by CHD Communications

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

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Your best protection against the flu is now available in the Coastal Health District. The health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh Counties are now offering the updated 2025-2026 flu vaccine. 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.

A yearly flu vaccine is the best way to prevent serious flu-related illness for everyone age 6 months and older. Vaccination is especially important for adults aged 65 and older, children younger than 2, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying conditions like asthma and chronic lung disease.

“Even if you’re strong and healthy, you should still consider vaccination to protect the people around you,” said Dr. Bonzo Reddick, Health Director of the Coastal Health District. “Flu can make anyone feel miserable. No one wants to be sick, especially as we move closer to holiday celebrations and family gatherings.”

The cost of flu vaccination is typically covered by insurance, and health departments accept many health insurance plans. There are low-cost vaccination options for individuals without health insurance coverage. Many health departments will offer special flu vaccination events later in the fall. Information about events will be added online throughout the season at coastalhealthdistrict.org/flu.

McIntosh County Health Department and Talki Foundation Launch Diabetes Support Group

August 28th, 2025 by CHD Communications

Posted in McIntosh News, News |

Tags: ,

The McIntosh County Health Department, in partnership with the Talki Foundation, is launching a Diabetes Support Group and Informational Meeting to provide education, resources, and a supportive community for individuals living with diabetes and their families.

Approximately 30 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes, a condition that increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t produce insulin. Type 2 develops when the body can’t use insulin properly. Most cases of Type 2 diabetes can be prevented through weight loss, healthy eating, and regular physical activity.

“A diagnosis of diabetes can be quite daunting, and it often brings a lot of questions,” said Cristina Gibson, Chronic Disease Prevention Program Director for the Coastal Health District. “What do I eat? How do these medications work? Why is physical activity important? How do I talk to family and friends about it? This group is a safe space to ask those questions and get the answers you need.”

The first meeting will take place on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the McIntosh County Health Department, located at 1335 GA-57, Eulonia, GA 31331.

“Diabetes is a growing epidemic in Coastal Georgia, and education is key,” said Charlie Komons, founder of the Talki Foundation. “Have you had your blood glucose checked? This support group is about bringing people together to share knowledge, offer support, and take control of their health.”

Meetings will be held on the first Thursday of every month at the same time and location. Blood glucose and blood pressure screenings will be provided at every meeting. 

For more information, please contact Cristina Gibson at 912-484-1885.

Boil Water Advisory Has Been Lifted in Richmond Hill

August 27th, 2025 by CHD Communications

Posted in Bryan News, News |

The following information is from the City of Richmond Hill:

The City of Richmond Hill has received confirmation from water testing that the public water supply is safe. Effective August 28, 2025 at 4:45 PM, the Boil Water Advisory is NOW LIFTED.

Residents may now resume normal use of tap water for drinking, cooking, food preparation, and all other purposes.

As part of due diligence following the recent system pressure drop, the City collected and tested four water samples from across the city. All results came back clear.

Information for Food Service Facilities, Hotels, and Motels

The following information is from the National Restaurant Association:

Once the advisory is lifted and you’re notified the water supply is usable, take these actions to ensure the safety of your food and beverages:

  • Flush ice machines by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Also take the following steps: Throw out any remaining ice, flush the water line to the machine inlet, close the valve on the water line behind the machine, disconnect the water line from the machine inlet, open the valve and run 5 gallons of water through the valve, dispose of the water, and close the valve.
  • Flush the pipes throughout your facility by running each faucet with cold water for at least 15-30 minutes.
  • Flush, clean, and sanitize appliances that use tap water, such as beverage dispensers, coffee and tea urns, ice machines, glass washers, and dishwashers. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle.
  • Get your hot water tanks flushed.
  • Run your drinking fountains continuously for at least 5 minutes to flush the system.
  • Replace and sanitize water filter cartridges according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

West Nile Virus Detected in Glynn County Mosquito Population

August 25th, 2025 by CHD Communications

Posted in Glynn News, News |

Mosquito pool samples collected in Glynn County have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). Vector Disease Control International (VDCI), the county’s Mosquito Control contractor collected the positive samples in five locations in the Brunswick area, including at Blythe Island Regional Park, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, the GP Paper Mill, and on New Castle Street.

Mosquito bites are more than just an itchy nuisance. WNV is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Many people who are infected with the virus have no symptoms. Some may have mild to moderate symptoms including fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Severe cases can lead to serious, sometimes fatal, illness.

There is no vaccine or cure for WNV, so prevention is key. All residents should take steps to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate standing water. You can reduce your risk of infection 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 DEET or picaridin, which are both effective repellents 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.     

For more information on mosquito bite prevention, visit cdc.gov/mosquitoes.

City of Savannah Lifts Boil Water Advisory for Remaining Effected Customers

August 15th, 2025 by CHD Communications

Posted in Chatham News, Effingham News, News |

The following information was released by the City of Savannah on Sunday, August 17th:

The City of Savannah has fully lifted the boil water advisory first issued Friday evening. Tests confirmed Sunday morning that the remaining effected areas under the advisory showed no presence of coliform bacteria and the water is safe to consume.

All operations at the City’s I&D Water Treatment Plant are normal. City staff will return to routine water quality testing and monitoring protocols for the drinking water system.  

More information concerning the boil water advisory can be found at savannahga.gov/wateradvisory.

What to do after a Boil Water Advisory is lifted 

  1. Flush Your Pipes  
  • Run cold water taps for at least 5 minutes (run them longer if you live in a large building). 
  • Begin with the highest faucet in your home and work your way down to the lowest.  
  1. Flush Appliances 
  • Run and discard one cycle of water through: 
  • Refrigerator water dispensers 
  • Ice makers (discard old ice and make new ice) 
  1. Clean and Sanitize  
  • Replace water filters in: 
  • Fridge 
  • Under-sink systems 
  • Pitcher 
  • Sanitize the following:  
  • Ice bins 
  • Water coolers  
  • Coffee makers (run a cleaning cycle with clean water) 
  • Any other water-using appliances 
  1. Check and Clean Faucets  
  • Remove and clean faucet screens if needed. 
  1. Flush Toilets  
  • Flush each toilet once to clear the water lines. 
  1. Discard Stored Water  
  • Discard any stored water you collected during the advisory.  

Information for Food Service Facilities, Hotels, and Motels

The following information is from the National Restaurant Association:

Once the advisory is lifted and you’re notified the water supply is usable, take these actions to ensure the safety of your food and beverages:

  • Flush the pipes throughout your facility by running each faucet with cold water for at least 15-30 minutes.
  • Flush, clean, and sanitize appliances that use tap water, such as beverage dispensers, coffee and tea urns, ice machines, glass washers, and dishwashers. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle.
  • Get your hot water tanks flushed.
  • Run your drinking fountains continuously for at least 5 minutes to flush the system.
  • Replace and sanitize water filter cartridges according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Flush ice machines by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Also take the following steps: Throw out any remaining ice, flush the water line to the machine inlet, close the valve on the water line behind the machine, disconnect the water line from the machine inlet, open the valve and run 5 gallons of water through the valve, dispose of the water, and close the valve.

Environmental Health After-Hours Number for Food Service Facilities, Hotels, Motels:
912-689-4646

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