With Thanksgiving just over two weeks away, the Georgia Department of Public Health is urging residents to get their annual flu vaccinations now to help protect themselves and their families during the upcoming holiday season.

In a news release issued Monday, November 9, the department emphasized that getting vaccinated remains the most effective way to prevent influenza, particularly as families prepare for holiday gatherings and travel.

Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Kathleen E. Toomey says everyone older than six months should receive a flu vaccine, with rare exceptions.

“The single most effective way to prevent the flu is the flu vaccine,” Toomey said.

Health officials point out that it takes approximately two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop antibodies that provide protection against influenza. That makes the coming days an important opportunity for residents to get vaccinated before Thanksgiving.

Influenza symptoms can include fever, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, chills and fatigue. One of the most recognizable symptoms is the sudden onset of body aches and a general feeling of illness.

Although many people recover from the flu without serious complications, the illness can be particularly dangerous for young children and older adults. In severe cases, influenza can lead to hospitalization or death.

The Department of Public Health says all flu vaccines for the 2026–2027 season are designed to protect against three influenza strains: influenza A H1N1, influenza A H3N2 and influenza B/Victoria.

Flu vaccinations are available through local health departments, physicians’ offices, pharmacies, grocery stores and neighborhood health clinics.

Health officials also recommend speaking with a healthcare provider about appropriate COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations.

In addition to vaccination, the department is reminding Georgians to take everyday precautions to reduce the spread of influenza and other respiratory illnesses.

Those precautions include frequent handwashing with soap and warm water, using hand sanitizer when handwashing is not available, covering coughs and sneezes with an elbow, and avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth.

Anyone experiencing flu symptoms is encouraged to stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the illness to others.

The Georgia Department of Public Health provides additional information about influenza prevention, vaccinations and weekly flu activity reports at dph.ga.gov/flu.

The state’s influenza surveillance reports are updated each Friday, allowing residents to monitor flu activity as the season progresses.