Air Quality Monitoring Resources and Health Information
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The Coastal Health District of Georgia serves the counties of Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long & McIntosh
The Chatham County Health Department offered flu and COVID vaccines at the 11th annual Feed the Hungry Thanksgiving Dinner in Savannah yesterday. We’re thankful for this dedicated team of public health professionals!
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[JPG, 347.48 KB]The Glynn County Health Department has lifted the beach water advisory for Driftwood Beach, which is from Beach KM Marker 1 to Tallu Fish Ln on Jekyll Island.
The advisory was issued on November 23, 2021 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 that the bacteria levels had dropped below Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended limits. Therefore, the advisory has been lifted.
The Glynn County Health Department has issued a swimming advisory for Driftwood Beach, which is from Beach KM Marker 1 to Tallu Fish Ln on Jekyll Island.
The Department of Natural Resources – Coastal Resources Division tests water samples at Glynn County beaches throughout the year. The test screens for enterococcus (pronounced:
en·ter·o·coc·cus) bacteria, which are found in humans and some wildlife. The testing program is not related to the capsized motor vehicle carrier in St. Simons Sound.
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 and the advisory will be lifted when the bacteria levels meet the EPA’s recommended standards. For more information, visit our Beach Water Testing page.
Follow COVID-19 and Flu Prevention Measures
The COVID vaccine has helped make celebrating upcoming holidays together with family and friends possible again. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) urges all Georgians to plan ahead and take steps to reduce risk of exposure to COVID-19 and the flu as they celebrate.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend several ways to enjoy holiday traditions while protecting your health.
Fifty-one percent of Georgians are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 which means every crowd is a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals and the risk of COVID transmission exists, especially the delta variant which is more contagious and can cause more severe illness than other variants. DPH is closely monitoring COVID case increases in Europe and parts of the United States. Additionally, surveillance in Georgia indicates flu activity is increasing in some areas.
Holiday traditions are important for families and children. By working together, we can enjoy safer holidays, travel, and protect our own health as well as the health of our family and friends.
To find a COVID or flu vaccine location in your area, visit vaccinefinder.org.
For more information about safely celebrating this holiday season, log on to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/celebrations.html.
The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynn County held a luncheon this week, recognizing employees of the Coastal Health District, Glynn County Health Department, and volunteers from around the county for their COVID-19 vaccination efforts.
Through more than 15 separate vaccination events, over 2,700 vaccinations were given to FLETC staff and students beginning in late January of this year. The vaccination efforts allowed the center to remain open and operational, ensuring officers could continue to be trained and returned to the field.
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[JPG, 73.28 KB]The Coastal Health District HIV Prevention Program will offer free, confidential HIV testing events in observance of World AIDS Day.
The following testing events have been scheduled:
Tuesday, November 16th
Glynn County Health Department, 2747 Fourth St. Brunswick
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
*Free frozen turkey for all who get tested. (Limit one per household).
Thursday, November 18th
Chatham County Health Department, 1395 Eisenhower Dr. Savannah
1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
*Free frozen turkey for all who get tested. (Limit one per household)
Monday November 29th
Skylark Mobile Unit, 9607 Ford Avex, Richmond Hill
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wednesday December 1st – World AIDS Day
Diversity Health Center303 Fraser Dr., Hinesville
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Thursday December 2nd
Coastal Community Health Services – Perry Park, 2211 Bartow St., Brunswick
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Friday December 3rd
Star Castle, 550 Mall Blvd., Savannah
7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
*Free skating for all who get tested.
Tuesday, December 14th Skylark Mobile Unit
229 W. General Screven Way, Hinesville
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
World AIDS Day is commemorated every year on December 1st. This year marks 40 years since the first cases of AIDS were reported.
The Coastal Health District, along with organizations all over the world, will hold events on and around that day to promote awareness of HIV/AIDS, remember those we have lost to the virus, and reaffirm our commitment to end the HIV epidemic.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 1.2 million people aged 13 and older had HIV in the United States, and an estimated 13% of those were undiagnosed.
Several free testing events been scheduled throughout the Coastal Health District to coincide with World AIDS Day. Testing is confidential and results will be available in one minute. A follow-up visit will be scheduled for anyone who tests positive and counseling will be made available to those individuals.
HIV testing is always free at all health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh counties and available Monday through Friday – by appointment – during regular health department hours of operation. For locations and operational hours, go to coastalhealthdistrict.org.
Anyone with questions about testing can call Diane DeVore at (912) 644-5828 or e-mail Diane.Devore@dph.ga.gov. To arrange for media interviews, please call Sally Silbermann at 912-644-5217 or email Sally.Silbermann@dph.ga.gov.
The Glynn County Health Department has lifted the beach water advisories for Massengale Park Beach and Fifth Street Crossover Beach on St. Simons Island, and for North Beach at Dexter Lane on Jekyll Island.
The advisories were issued on November 9, 2021 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 that the bacteria levels had dropped below Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended limits. Therefore, the advisories have been lifted.
The Glynn County Health Department has issued three beach water advisories. The affected areas are:
The Department of Natural Resources – Coastal Resources Division tests water samples on Glynn County beaches throughout the year. The tests screen 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. This does NOT mean the beach is closed. These 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 areas under advisory. Fish and other seafood caught from these areas should be thoroughly washed with fresh water and thoroughly cooked before eating, as should fish or seafood caught from any waters.
The areas will be re-tested this week, and the advisories will be lifted when the bacteria levels meet the EPA’s recommended standards.
For more information, visit our Beach Water Testing Program page.
The drive-through flu shot event scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 6 in Camden County has been canceled due to anticipated bad weather. The event will be rescheduled and we’ll announce a new date and time as soon as possible. Thanks for understanding.
[PNG, 89.26 KB]Beginning Monday, November 8th, three clinics in the Coastal Health District will offer a pediatric dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children aged 5-11 as recommended by the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Appointments can be scheduled for the following locations:
You do not have to be a resident of the county to be vaccinated in each location. Additional pediatric vaccination sites may be offered soon.
There is no out-of-pocket cost for the vaccination regardless of insurance status. Appointments are required and can be scheduled online at chdcovidvax.org. For assistance, you may also call our COVID-19 Vaccination Phone Bank at 912-230-5506 Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
“The availability of pediatric vaccine is an important milestone for children and for the entire community,” says Dr. Lawton Davis, Health Director of the Coastal Health District. “Some children have become seriously ill with COVID-19, particularly with the Delta variant, and some are still experiencing ‘long COVID’ with lingering symptoms. Vaccination is an important protection against severe illness for children as well as adults.”
The pediatric vaccine contains a smaller dose and is given with a smaller needle. The lower dose also seems to produce milder side effects in kids while still creating a strong immune response.
For more information, talk with your child’s pediatrician or visit the website of the CDC.
The Long Health Department will hold a drive-through flu vaccination clinic from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, November 8, at the health department located at 584 North Macon Street in Ludowici. No appointment is necessary.
The drive-through flu shot clinic previously scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 6 in Camden County has been canceled due to weather and will be rescheduled.
The flu can cause mild to severe illness and the best way to prevent it is to get a flu shot every year. Flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over six months of age. Vaccination is particularly important for those at high risk of complications from flu, including adults 65 and older, children younger than five, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions such as asthma and diabetes. It takes about two weeks after getting a flu shot for the vaccine to provide the body protection against the flu.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu season usually peaks between December and February; however, flu activity can extend into May.
Flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time. Preventive measures like washing your hands and wearing a mask can also help prevent the spread of influenza and COVID-19.
To get more information on the flu or to download the vaccine consent form ahead of time, please visit coastalhealthdistrict.org/flu.
The Glynn County Health Department has lifted the beach water advisories South Beach at the Lighthouse on St. Simons Island, and Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island.
The advisories were issued on November 2, 2021 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 that the bacteria levels had dropped below Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended limits. Therefore, the advisories have been lifted.
The Glynn County Health Department has issued two beach water advisories. The affected areas are:
The Department of Natural Resources – Coastal Resources Division tests water samples on Glynn County beaches throughout the year. The tests screen 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. This does NOT mean the beach is closed. These 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 areas under advisory. Fish and other seafood caught from these areas should be thoroughly washed with fresh water and thoroughly cooked before eating, as should fish or seafood caught from any waters.
The areas will be re-tested this week, and the advisories will be lifted when the bacteria levels meet the EPA’s recommended standards.
For more information, visit our Beach Water Testing Program page.
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