Georgia Coastal Health District

This November, health department staff will travel across the Coastal Health District to provide free HIV testing, prevention education, and community resources.

Individuals who receive an HIV test will have the opportunity to receieve a $25 gift card per household – limited to the first 25 eligible participants at each event, while supplies last. We will also distribute educational matierals, swag bags, and information about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis.)

November Testing Schedule

• Tuesday, November 10, 2026
  • Canden County Health Department, 9am-12pm
  • Glynn County Health Department, 1pm-4pm
• Thursday, November 12, 2026
  • McIntosh County Health Department, 9am-12pn
• Tuesday, November 12, 2026
  • Long County Health Department, 9am-12pm
  • Liberty County Health Department, 1pm-4pm
• Wednesday, November 18, 2026
  • Bryan County Health Department – Pembroke, 9am-12pm
  • Bryan County Health Department – Richmond Hill, 1pm-4pm
• Thursday, November 19, 2026
  • Effingham Couunty Health Department, 9am-12pm
  • Chatham County Health Department – Eisenhower & Midtown locations, 2-6pm

The following press release was issued by the Georgia Department of Public Health on October 13, 2026:

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed measles in an unvaccinated Macon County resident, bringing Georgia’s 2026 total to 22 cases, compared to 10 cases in all of 2025.

The individual is isolating at home, and unvaccinated close contacts are quarantining. Although the individual has no known travel history, they had contact with a confirmed measles case from Pennsylvania, where an ongoing measles outbreak has surpassed 1,100 cases.

DPH is working to identify others who may have been exposed.

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is the best protection against measles.

“The MMR vaccine is safe and effective. Measles spreads quickly, and vaccination now can help prevent further spread,” said Cherie Drenzek, DVM, MS, state epidemiologist. “One dose provides about 93% protection against measles, and two doses increase protection to about 97%.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for children: the first at 12–15 months and the second at 4–6 years. Infants 6–11 months old traveling internationally should receive an early dose before travel, followed by two additional doses after their first birthday. Parents should consult their healthcare provider with questions about vaccination.

Vaccination also helps protect people who are too young or medically unable to receive the vaccine.

Measles symptoms typically appear 7–14 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by a red rash that begins on the head and spreads to the rest of the body.

Anyone with measles symptoms should contact their healthcare provider immediately. DO NOT go to a doctor’s office, hospital, or public health clinic without calling ahead to report your symptoms. Healthcare providers who suspect measles should notify public health immediately.

For more information about measles, log on to https://dph.georgia.gov/measles-georgia or https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html.

In an effort to encourage community members to get moving this fall, the Coastal Health District’s Chronic Disease Prevention Team is launching Walk-tober Fest.

Walk-tober Fest gives community members a chance to get outside and chat with Coastal Health team members. Whether it inspires a new neighborhood walking club, a walking work meeting, or simply a fresh breath of air, the goal is to help everyone find simple ways to move more.

It’s easy to spend most of the day sitting still. National data indicates that people spend roughly 87% of their time indoors and average over four hours a day looking at their phones. In Georgia, that sedentary routine is reflected in health reports, with nearly a quarter of adults doing no physical activity outside of their regular job.

Walk-tober Fest aims to combat these trends by making physical activity accessible, social, and fun.

Schedule of After-Work Walks

All walks are scheduled from 5:15 PM to 5:45 PM (unless otherwise noted), and participants should meet at the building entrances:

• October 7: Chatham County Health Department — Midtown Location
• October 14: Liberty County Health Department
• October 19: Chatham County Health Department — Eisenhower Drive Location
• October 20: Bryan County Health Department — Pembroke Location
• October 21: McIntosh County Health Department
• October 26: Bryan County Health Department — Richmond Hill Location
• October 27 (5:30 PM): Long County Public Library (Note: This walk takes place prior to the first Long County Diabetes Support Group Meeting, which runs from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM)
• October 29: Glynn County Health Department
• November 17: Camden County Health Department

All fitness levels are welcome, and no registration is required. Grab a colleague, a neighbor, or a friend and join Public Health for a breath of fresh air!

An annual flu shot is the best way to prevent serious flu-related illness and is now available at health departments across coastal Georgia. September and October are ideal months for vaccination so your body can build immunity before peak flu season arrives.

“We’re already seeing an increase in flu-like illness in Georgia, so it’s certainly not too soon to get your flu shot,” said Angela Hartley, clinical director of the Coastal Health District. “It takes about two weeks for your immune system to build resistance to the flu after vaccination, so you don’t want to wait until flu cases are widespread to get the vaccine.”

Flu vaccine is available at the health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh Counties. Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older, and is especially important for:

• adults over 65,
• children younger than 2,
• pregnant people, and
• individuals with underlying conditions like asthma and chronic lung disease.

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.

Flu Vaccination Events

Several health departments will offer special flu vaccination events this fall. Additional events may be added throughout the season.

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Are you headed to one of our flu vaccination events or coming to the clinic for a flu shot? Click the button below to view, download, and print the vaccine consent forms and read the Vaccine Information Sheet ahead of time. Bring the completed consent form with you to the clinic for even faster service!

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed the first human case of West Nile Virus in the Coastal Health District in 2026. The individual is an adult resident of Chatham County. This is the second confirmed human case in Georgia this year to date.

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 80% of people who get WNV won’t have symptoms. Those who do develop symptoms typically experience fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. However, a small number of people will develop severe symptoms affecting the central nervous system, which could be fatal. Last year there were 18 confirmed human cases of WNV in Georgia residents, and 1 in the Coastal Health District.

There is no vaccine to prevent WNV, and no treatment other than supportive care for the symptoms. The Coastal Health District reminds everyone to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Mosquitoes that carry WNV are more likely to bite during the evening, night, and early morning. Wearing insect repellent containing the chemical DEET or picaridin will help keep mosquitoes away. Eliminate standing water around the home and yard to keep mosquitoes from breeding.

The Five Ds of mosquito bite prevention can help prevent mosquito bites and breeding:

• 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 the most 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.

The following press release was issued by the Georgia Department of Public Health on July 14, 2026:

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging Georgians to take extra precautions when purchasing, preparing, and consuming fresh fruits and vegetables to help prevent cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal disease. At this time, DPH is not aware of any Georgia-specific outbreaks, clusters, or potential links to the outbreak that has sickened more than a thousand people across multiple states. Investigation into common sources nationally is ongoing.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by a microscopic parasite – Cyclospora. People can become infected by consuming food or water that contains the parasite. Treated water in the U.S. does not contain Cyclospora. Although domestically acquired cases occur in Georgia every year, typically most cyclosporiasis cases in the state are associated with international travel.

The most common symptom is watery diarrhea and explosive bowel movements. Bloating, cramping, or loss of appetite can also occur. Most people with cyclosporiasis recover on their own; however, hospitalizations can occur when patients are dehydrated from diarrhea caused by the infection. The illness may last from a few days to over a month. Symptoms may seem to go away and then return one or more times. In extended cases, people are encouraged to check with their healthcare provider.

Cyclosporiasis can be prevented by following basic health hygiene practices when handling fresh fruits and vegetables. These are the measures the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) promotes every day.

• Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables
• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking
• It is important to thoroughly wash produce even if it is labeled as pre-washed
• Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush
• Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating
• Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible (within two hours)

For additional information about cyclosporiasis, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/index.html.

Click here for information about the US Food and Drug Administration’s investigation and food recall.

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Several counties in the Coastal Health District are offering special summer immunization and screening clinics to help families avoid the back to school rush. If you have a child entering:

• Pre-K,
• Kindergarten,
• 7th grade, or
• 11th grade,

they may need vaccinations or screenings for school attendance. If students do not have the required screenings and immunizations they may be unenrolled from school, so parents are encouraged to take advantage of these summer opportunities!

A list of all school clinic events is below. However, vaccines and school screenings are routinely available at all the health departments in the Coastal Health District by appointment. You do not have to wait until one of these events for screenings or immunizations.  Also, you do not have to be vaccinated in your county of residence. If a convenient appointment is not available in your county, you may call surrounding counties for additional availability.

Call your county health department for more information.

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Bryan County Health Department

Back to School vaccination and screening events will be held in July at the Bryan County Health Department. Appointments are required. Many insurance plans are accepted. Low cost options are available for individuals without health insurance.

If your child is transferring from another state, please bring their immunization records to the health department several days before their appointment. This gives staff an opportunity to transfer all the information into Georgia’s immunization registry prior to the health clinic event.

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Camden County Health Department

Back to School vaccination and screening events will be held on two dates in July at the Camden County Health Department. Appointments are strongly recommended.

• July 9, 8 am – 10:30 am and 1 pm – 5:30 pm
• July 14, 8 am – 10:30 am and 1 pm – 3:30 pm
• Vaccines and screenings
• 101 Winding Road, Kingsland
• Appointments strongly recommended. Schedule by phone: (912) 882-8515

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Chatham County Health Department

If your child is entering a Georgia school for the first time and needs an eye, ear, dental (EED) screening, the Chatham County Health Department is holding two free EED screening clinics this summer.

On these two days, you do NOT need an appointment for an EED and the usual $30 fee is waived.

• July 23 & 30, 8am-5pm
• School Screenings at NO COST
• 1395 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah

For school vaccines, please call the health department at 912-356-2441 to schedule an appointment.

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Effingham County Health Department

Back to School vaccination and screening events will be held BY APPOINTMENT in June and July at the Effingham County Health Department.

• June 8 & 9
• July 22, 23, 28, & 30
• Vaccines and screenings
• 802 Hwy. 119 South, Springfield
• Appointments strongly recommended. Schedule by phone: (912) 754-6484

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Glynn County Health Department

Back to School vaccination and screening services are available as a walk-in service every day the clinic is open at the Glynn County Health Department. Walk-in hours are:

• Monday-Wednesday, 8am-4pm (closed 12-1)
• Thursday, 8am-6pm (closed 12-1)
• Friday, 8am-1pm
• 2747 Fourth Street, Brunswick
• Closed the last business day of every month for staff training
• No appointment needed

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Liberty County Health Department

Back to School vaccination and screening events will be held BY APPOINTMENT in July and August at the Liberty County Health Department.

• July 22, 29, and August 12, 8am-4pm
• Vaccines and screenings
• 507 E. Oglethorpe Highway, Hinesville
• Appointments required. Schedule online: coastalhealthdistrict.as.me/liberty-school
• Schedule by phone: (912) 876-2173

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Long County Health Department

Back to School vaccination and screening events will be held BY APPOINTMENT in June, July, and August at the Long County Health Department.

• June 25, July 23, & August 27, 8:30 am – 11:30 am and 1 pm – 5:30 pm
• Vaccines and screenings
• 584 N. Macon Street, Ludowici
• Appointments required. Schedule by phone: (912) 545-2107

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McIntosh County Health Department

Back to School vaccination and screening services are available by appointment or as a walk-in service every day the clinic is open at the McIntosh County Health Department. Walk-in hours are:

• Monday-Wednesday, 8am-4pm (closed 12-1)
• Thursday, 8am-6pm (closed 12-1)
• Friday, 8am-1pm
• 1335 GA Highway 57, Townsend
• Closed the last business day of every month for staff training
• Walk-ins accepted or call (912) 832-5473 to schedule an appointment.

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School Requirements

Students entering a Georgia school for the first time – no matter what the grade level –  must have a completed Certificate of Vision, Hearing, Dental, and Nutrition screening form. “First time” means never enrolled in a Georgia school before at any time in their lives.

In addition, children attending seventh grade and new entrants into Georgia schools in grades 8 through 12 must have received one dose of Tdap vaccine and one dose of meningococcal vaccine. (“New entrant” means any child entering any school in Georgia for the first time or entering after having been absent from a Georgia school for more than 12 months or one school year).

All students entering or transferring into 11th grade will need a meningococcal booster shot (MCV4), unless their first dose was received on or after their 16th birthday.

All health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh counties offer eye, ear, dental, and nutrition screens as well as immunizations all year round. If your child needs these services and cannot attend one of these events, please call your local county health department as soon as possible to schedule an appointment during regular clinic hours.