Georgia is leading the nation in the number of flu cases and flu-related illness and Muscogee County ranks among the highest in the state for flu activity. Piedmont Columbus Regional is partnering with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee Valley to stop the current flu spike by establishing a pediatric mobile flu clinic.

“Because children are the most vulnerable population, we are partnering with the Boys and Girls Club utilizing funds from a grant they received in hopes of vaccinating the families who attend throughout the city,” said Dr. Rebecca Reamy, Chief of Pediatrics of Piedmont Columbus Regional.

The Boys & Girls Club of the Chattahoochee Valley will be offering the pediatric flu clinic to club members only at the following locations:

Monday, January 27 | North Columbus Club, 1309 29^th Street

Tuesday, January 28 | J.B. Woodruff Club, 3200 Cusseta Rd.

Wednesday, January 29 | Fox Elementary Club, 600 38^th Street

Thursday, January 30 | East Columbus Club, 3835 Forest Rd.

“We are excited about this exciting new partnership and our ability to provide flu shots to our club members,” said Rodney Close, President & CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Chattahoochee Valley.  “This allows us to further our commitment to provide health programs and resources to youth and will enable Piedmont Columbus Regional to continue making a positive difference in the Chattahoochee Valley."

The Georgia Department of Public Health confirms there were four flu-related deaths in early January, bringing the seasonal total to 22.

This flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts nearly 4 million Americans have contracted flu-related illness resulting in 32,000 hospitalizations and 1,800 deaths nationwide.

“This is an opportunity for us not only reinforce the flu season visitor restrictions in the hospital but also demonstrate the importance of getting the flu vaccine in the community. At this point, a large number of our patients still have not received the flu shot, and the season has months left,” said Dr. Reamy.

While health experts say getting a flu vaccine before October is ideal, it’s still not too late to get the flu vaccine so that your body develops immunity during the peak winter months.