Here’s where free flu shots are available across the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry as activity reaches highest level

COASTAL EMPIRE, LOWCOUNTRY (WTOC) - Flu activity is currently very high in Georgia, reaching the maximum level of 13 on a scale of 1-13 according to the latest report from the Georgia Department of Public Health. Health officials say it’s not too late to get vaccinated for protection.

Multiple local health departments across the region are offering free flu shots for uninsured children and adults, with some also providing no-cost vaccines for insured patients.

Free flu shots in McIntosh County

The McIntosh County Health Department is offering free flu shots for uninsured children and adults as long as supplies last. The health department is waiving the vaccine administration fee for individuals without health insurance coverage for the remainder of this flu season.

Appointments are required. Call 912-832-5473 to schedule an appointment.

Free flu shots in Chatham County

The Chatham County Health Department is offering free flu shots for uninsured children and adults during January 2026. The health department is waiving the vaccine administration fee for individuals without health insurance coverage during this month.

Patients with health insurance may also receive no-cost flu shots, as most insurance plans cover flu vaccine at no charge to the patient.

Appointments are required for vaccination. 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.

Free flu shots in Bryan County

The Bryan County Health Department is offering free flu shots for uninsured children and adults January 12-16 at the clinics in Richmond Hill and Pembroke while supplies last. The health department is waiving the vaccine administration fee for individuals without health insurance coverage during this week.

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 at 912-756-2611 (Richmond Hill) or 912-653-4331 (Pembroke) to confirm that your health insurance is accepted.

No appointment is needed. Walk-ins will be accepted during the following times:

• Monday-Wednesday, January 12-14: 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• Thursday, January 15: 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Friday, January 16: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Free flu shots in Effingham County

The Effingham County Health Department is offering free flu shots for uninsured children and adults during January 2026. The health department is waiving the vaccine administration fee for individuals without health insurance coverage during this month.

No appointment is needed.

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 at 912-754-6484 to confirm that your health insurance is accepted.

Free flu shots in Long County

The Long County Health Department is offering free flu shots for uninsured children and adults as long as supplies last. The health department is waiving the vaccine administration fee for individuals without health insurance coverage for the remainder of this flu season.

Patients with health insurance may also receive no-cost flu shots, as most insurance plans cover flu vaccine at no charge to the patient.

Appointments are required for vaccination. Call 912-545-2107 to schedule an appointment at the clinic at 584 North Macon Street in Ludowici.

Free flu shots in Liberty County

The Liberty County Health Department is offering free flu shots for uninsured children and adults January 5-9, 2026. The health department is waiving the vaccine administration fee for individuals without health insurance coverage during this week.

No appointment is needed.

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 at 912-876-2173 to confirm that your health insurance is accepted.

Who should get vaccinated

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season. 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.

Vaccination is especially important for individuals at high risk of complications from flu, including:

• 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

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.