Roll Up Your Sleeves Against COVID-19 and the FLU

Need help finding COVID-19 and FLU vaccines near you?

Did you know the CDC has declared an end to the Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE)? Here’s what you need to know:

In summer of 2024, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) concluded its CDC Bridge Access Program—a government funded program that provided no-cost COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured and underinsured adults. With the ending of the Bridge Access Program, there are still available community resources where you can find a COVID-19 vaccination at little to no-cost.

While the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency has ended, it’s essential to stay vigilant. Getting vaccinated not only protects you, but also your loved ones and our community. Let’s keep rolling up our sleeves to keep Gwinnett County safe from COVID-19.

Stay updated on vaccine news

Why you should get vaccinated?

Getting vaccinated is not only a personal choice; it’s a powerful step towards safeguarding your health and the well-being of those around you. Vaccines have a proven track record of preventing serious illnesses and saving lives. By getting vaccinated, you’re contributing to making a stride in achieving herd immunity, ultimately protecting vulnerable populations who may be at higher risk.

Check Your COVID-19 and FLU Vaccine Status

Before receiving vaccines for COVID-19 or the FLU, it’s important you know the answers to the following questions:

Which vaccines have you previously received?
How many doses of each vaccine have you had?
When did you receive your most recent vaccine?

If you’re unsure about the answers to these questions, don’t worry. You can access your immunization records online through the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), or you can talk to your doctor and ask for a copy of your immunization history.

Know My Immunization Status

Where Can I Get COVID-19 & FLU Vaccines?

Like the annual FLU shot, COVID-19 vaccines are also being recommended as an annual vaccine. It is important to get your latest dose of the updated monovalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

That’s why we provide COVID-19 and FLU vaccine locators to help you find nearby clinics, including those in Gwinnett County. Let’s protect you and others, one shot at a time.

Find Covid Vaccines in GwinnettFind FLU Shots in Gwinnett

What are the differences between the COVID-19 and FLU vaccines?

COVID-19 and FLU vaccines differ significantly. While the FLU vaccine is primarily a respiratory illness, COVID-19 can impact not only the lungs but also other organs and bodily functions. These vaccines employ distinct mechanisms to strengthen the immune system.

For example, the FLU vaccine is an inactivated vaccine. In simple terms, an inactive FLU virus along with other ingredients. It doesn’t cause illness but helps the immune system recognize and defend against it.

Following the approval of updated COVID-19 vaccines in early September, the only authorized vaccines are now the monovalent mRNA types.

The CDC states that mRNA vaccines use mRNA technology, which is created in a laboratory. These molecules teach our cells how to make a protein—that triggers an immune response inside our bodies.

It’s worth noting that COVID-19 vaccines can cause mild to moderate side effects, lasting a few hours or up to a day or two, such as pain, swelling, chills, fever, headache, and tiredness; however, these side effects are normal. Why? These symptoms indicate the immune system’s response and its preparation for future protection. Keep in mind that, it takes the body up to two weeks to build immunity against COVID-19.

We highly recommend that individuals, especially those who have experienced previous vaccine reactions, consult with a physician before getting their FLU or COVID-19 shot. By doing so, you can potentially avoid any side effects and ensure a safer vaccination experience.

What Are the Key Differences Between COVID-19 and the FLU?

Both COVID-19 and the FLU are contagious respiratory illnesses, sharing similar symptoms but caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is the result of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, first identified in 2019, while the FLU is caused by influenza virus.

Compared to the FLU, COVID-19 tends to spread more easily and can lead to more severe illness in some cases. Individuals with COVID-19 may take longer to display symptoms and remain contagious for extended periods, unlike the FLU.

Getting tested is crucial because it not only identifies the illness but also allows medical professionals to promptly diagnose and treat the specific virus. Early treatment for both COVID-19 and the FLU can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness.

What are the symptoms?

The following are typical FLU and COVID-19 signs and symptoms from mild to severe:

Symptoms of both COVID-19 and the FLU

Fever.
Chills.
Cough.
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
Fatigue (tiredness).
Sore throat.
Runny or stuffy nose.

Muscle pain or body aches.
Headaches.
Vomit.
Diarrhea (it’s more frequent in children with FLU, but it can show up in any age with COVID-19)

When do symptoms appear?

How long can people spread each virus?

Usually, people infected with the FLU may experience symptoms from one to four days after infection.

Whereas, symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

However, with the FLU and COVID-19, it is also possible to be infected without having or experiencing any symptoms.

People with COVID-19 may be contagious for a longer period of time than those with the FLU.

With COVID-19, people can start spreading the virus between two and three days before their symptoms appear and can last about eight days.

On the other hand, people with FLU can be contagious a day before they experience symptoms. However, studies show that the FLU is at its peak contagiousness during the initial 3–4 days, while infants and people with weakened immune systems can be contagious for even longer.

Both viruses can be transmitted through close contact. COVID-19 and the FLU spread via respiratory particles released when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks, potentially infecting those nearby. Additionally, touching surfaces or people contaminated with the virus and subsequently touching one’s mouth, nose, or eyes can lead to infection with either COVID-19 or the FLU.

Indoor areas with poor ventilation can facilitate the spread of both viruses over longer distances, increasing the risk of transmission. However, COVID-19 is more contagious than the FLU, often resulting in events that can rapidly infect many people.

Older adults, people who are immunocompromised, and pregnant people are at risk of developing severe illnesses from both COVID-19 and the FLU.

However, COVID-19 can lead to hospitalization and even death on some occasions, even in otherwise healthy individuals.

Compared to the FLU, COVID-19 carries a higher risk of causing severe illness if left untreated. It can result in hospitalization and, in some cases, even lead to death, even among otherwise healthy individuals. Additionally, this virus can lead to developing post-COVID conditions or multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) in patients.

How does COVID-19 and the FLU spread?

Who has a higher risk of experiencing severe illness?

What are the health complications?

Both the FLU and COVID-19 can lead to various health complications, including:

Respiratory failure.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (fluid in the lungs).
Sepsis.
Cardiac injuries (such as heart attacks and strokes).
Multiple-organ failure (involving respiratory and kidney failure, and shock).
Aggravation of chronic medical conditions.
Inflammation of the heart, brain, or muscle tissues.
Secondary infections.

What are the approved treatments for COVID-19 and the FLU?

The FLU may also result in secondary bacterial infections (like bacterial pneumonia, sinusitis, and otitis), as well as diarrhea, primarily in young children.

There are there are FDA-approved antiviral medications specifically designed to treat the FLU, not COVID-19. In most cases, individuals hospitalized with the virus or those at a higher risk of complications are given antiviral medication.

To find approved treatment options for COVID-19, please visit this website.

Let’s roll up our sleeves for Gwinnett!

Vaccines are an effective way to protect ourselves against severe, deadly diseases and disabilities. According to the CDC, 3 out of 4 adults are missing their recommended immunizations. We want to take part in helping increase low adult vaccination rates by providing resources to low-cost/affordable medical providers.

Gwinnettians! We encourage you to roll up your sleeves and join the effort to stop the spread of preventable diseases.

Resources to Affordable Providers

Would you like assistance finding a provider?

The Gwinnett Coalition is a nonprofit organization with a vision of fostering equity and prosperity in Gwinnett. We work alongside members of our local government, the business community, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and concerned citizens to champion health equity, mental and behavioral health, and nonprofit capacity building to advance health and well-being for all Gwinnettians.

What is Gwinnett Coalition?

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FAQs

How safe are vaccines?

According to the U.S. Department of Health, vaccines go through stages to approve their safety for the public. It’s been tested in labs for years to make sure that it has the proper safety and dosages.

The FDA licenses the vaccine while the CDC decides whether to approve the recommendation for people. Once the CDC Director approves the recommendation, it becomes the official CDC public health guidance for safe use of the vaccine in the United States.

Before getting any vaccine, it’s important to speak with your medical provider about which vaccines to take to avoid the risk of allergy or unnecessary dosages.

Click here for more information on vaccine safety

Do I even need vaccines?

Although the choice is ultimately your own, there are many reasons to get vaccinated. Vaccines keep people healthy and safe from preventable diseases. They can mean the difference between life and death. The CDC recommends the use of vaccines for protection against infections throughout life.

Though vaccines may not eliminate diseases entirely, they provide powerful protection against illness and decrease the risk of outbreaks within our community.

Click here for more reasons to get a vaccine

What are some side effects of vaccines?

The most common side effect someone can get from a vaccine would be a sore arm or leg or a low fever.

However, each vaccine has different symptoms specific to it. Follow the link below to find out more.

Click here for more information on vaccine side effects

How do vaccines work?

Vaccines help people protect themselves from preventable diseases. The way vaccines works are by creating an imitation of the actual infection, which will allow the body to learn how to create immunity. So if a person were to be exposed to a certain illness, their body will already have immunity against that disease or virus, thanks to the vaccine. For more information on how vaccines work, click on the link.

Click here for more information on how vaccines work

Why do some vaccines need multiple doses like a booster shot?

Just like a vaccine booster, a second or third dose of a vaccine establishes a firmer hold of the body’s ability to protect itself against a disease or virus. However, some vaccines weaken over time, causing the need for another dosage.

Other times, like the FLU vaccine, there is a different variant of the disease or virus which can infect people, causing the need for another shot.

Click here for more information on vaccine doses

Can I be infected with COVID-19 and influenza at the same time?

Yes, it's possible to be infected with both COVID-19 and the FLU at the same time. However, the most effective way to prevent hospitalization and severe illness is by receiving vaccines for both.

Additionally, wearing a facemask when you're sick, maintaining physical distance, avoiding crowded and poorly ventilated spaces, opening windows and doors to ensure proper ventilation, and practicing frequent hand hygiene can help protect you from getting sick and others as well.

Click here to know where you can get vaccinated

When is the FLU season?

According to the CDC, FLU activity starts to increase in October. But the FLU season spikes between December and February, and can last as late as May.

Click here to learn more about the FLU season

Help us make our community better by taking our survey!

Share your thoughts below on why you think adult vaccination rates have gone down.

Let’s roll up our sleeves for Gwinnett!

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is providing four (4) free at-home tests to U.S. households. Order your tests today.

Exclusive Symptoms of COVID-19:

Changes or loss of taste or smell.
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest.

Confusion.
Inability to wake up or stay awake.
Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone.

COVID-19 has its unique complications, including blood clots in veins and arteries. Blood clots can affect any organ in the body such as the lungs, legs, brain, or heart. It can also cause Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) and in Adults (MIS-A).

Adult Recommended Vaccines

Vaccines are not only for children. Various childhood vaccines wear off over time, causing the need for another dosage as an adult. There are also other vaccines for preventable diseases that you may be at risk of due to factors like age, job, lifestyle, travel, and health conditions.

Every adult needs an immunization to help avoid getting and preventing the spread of serious diseases that can cause poor health, missed work, medical bills, and inability to care for their family.

Below are some of the vaccines recommended for adults. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about the vaccines that are recommended for you, before getting any vaccine.

PCV Vaccine:

The pneumococcal vaccine protects people against pneumococcal, a contagious disease caused by a type of bacteria that can lead to serious infections in the lungs (pneumonia), lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), blood (bacteremia), and sepsis.

Anyone can get diagnosed with pneumococcal disease, and people can get pneumococcal disease more than once. A previous pneumococcal infection will not protect you from future infections. Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent pneumococcal disease, and the CDC recommends vaccination even if you've had the disease in the past.

View the latest PCV vaccines

Shingrix (Shingles) Vaccine:

The Shingrix (Shingles) vaccine protects against shingles and PHN. This vaccine lasts for about 7 years after its required dosage. According to the CDC, about 1 out of every 3 people develop shingles in their lifetime in the United States. As the risk of shingles increases as you age, the need increases for you to receive a shingles vaccine.

View the latest on Shingles vaccines

Tdap Vaccine:

The Tdap vaccine is meant to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. These are spreadable diseases that can cause tremendous pain and serious health problems like heart failure, whooping cough, and paralysis. According to TheTdapGAP, only 31.2% of adults older than 19 have received the vaccination. That’s why it is so important to encourage adults to roll up their sleeves and protect themselves from these diseases.

CDC recommends diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis) vaccination for everyone, but you should talk with your doctor if you have questions about diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough vaccines.

View the latest on Tdap vaccines

Hepatitis A Vaccine:

The Hepatitis A vaccine protects against hepatitis A virus which is a liver disease. This virus is spread through close contact with someone infected as well as digesting or drinking things contaminated with it. Adults who haven’t received this vaccine are strongly encouraged to get this immunization. According to the CDC, Georgia is in an ongoing outbreak with about 2113 cases.

View the latest on Hepatitis A vaccines

Hepatitis B Vaccine:

Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that attacks the liver; it can lead to lifelong infection, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. Pregnant women diagnosed with hepatitis B can pass the virus to their children. There is no cure, but vaccination prevents HBV infection as well as the chronic liver damage and cancer that hepatitis B can cause. Hepatitis B vaccine is available for all age groups, and the CDC recommends that adults aged 19 through 59 years, and adults age 60 years or older with risk factors for hepatitis B infection, get the vaccine.

View the latest on Hepatitis B vaccines

Varicella Vaccine:

The Varicella vaccine protects individuals from chickenpox, which is a disease that appears as a blister-like rash on the body. Adults are recommended to receive this immunization if they never had chickenpox and did not receive a vaccine as a child. According to the CDC, 90% become infected if they never had chickenpox before and were close to someone with the disease.

View the latest on HPV vaccines

HPV Vaccine:

HPV vaccine keeps you from being infected with the Human papillomavirus, a leading cause of cervical cancer that can cause other cancers in both women and men. Getting vaccinated for HPV can protect you and your loved ones from the immediate effects of the virus, as well as from the various cancers it can trigger.

View the latest on HPV vaccines

Typhoid Vaccine:

The Typhoid vaccine protects against typhoid fever which causes a high fever, stomach pain, and loss of appetite, among other symptoms. There are two types of vaccines for typhoid, which include inactivated and live typhoid vaccines. It’s strongly recommended that adults who travel outside of the U.S. get this vaccine.

View the latest on Typhoid vaccines

Meningococcal Vaccine:

Meningococcal disease refers to any illness caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. These illnesses are often severe, can be deadly, and include infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream. Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best protection against meningococcal disease.

There are two types of Meningococcal vaccines in the U.S., including MenACWY and MenB. Talk to your doctor to find out which vaccine is right for you.

View the latest on Meningococcal vaccines

MMR Vaccine:

MMR vaccines offer powerful protection against measles, mumps, and rubella diseases. According to the CDC:

MEASLES (M) causes fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes. It is also commonly followed by a rash that covers the whole body. It can lead to seizures, ear infections, diarrhea, and pneumonia. People with measles are also at risk of brain damage or death.

MUMPS (M) causes fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite, and swollen and tender salivary glands. It can lead to deafness, swelling of the brain and/or spinal cord covering, painful swelling of the testicles or ovaries, and, very rarely, death.

RUBELLA (R) causes fever, sore throat, rash, headache, and eye irritation. It can cause arthritis in up to half of teenage and adult women. If a person gets rubella while pregnant, they could have a miscarriage, or the baby could be born with serious birth defects.

The CDC also states MMR vaccination is 97% effective against measles, 88% effective against mumps, 97% effective against rubella, and most people who are vaccinated with MMR will be protected for life.

View the latest on MMR vaccines

Here are options where you may find free or low-cost COVID-19 vaccines:

Local county and state health departments GNR Health
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) supported facilities Locate a HRSA near you
Health safety community organizations Find a community organization
Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance for those with coverage, you can still receive vaccinations at no-cost

In need of no-cost COVID-19 testing?

Check out the CDC's No Cost COVID-19 Test Locator to find a list of no-cost testing locations.

We strongly recommend that before throwing away your “expired” test kit, you first verify if it has extended expiration dates. Visit the FDA for an up-to-date list of extended test expiration dates.

How Are Vaccines Developed

Vaccine development is a crucial yet complex journey involving several carefully defined phases to ensure that vaccines are safe and effective. It begins with scientists and researchers exploring ideas for new vaccines. Researchers then study the vaccine and ingredients to determine how effective the vaccine is in working against the disease.

In the preclinical phase, scientists explore the effectiveness of the ingredients through laboratory studies and testing.

If a vaccine is promising, it moves into clinical trials divided into three main phases. Phase 1 tests the vaccine on a small group of healthy volunteers to assess its safety and determine the appropriate dosage. Phase 2 expands the trials to hundreds of participants to evaluate the immune response and further investigate safety. Finally, Phase 3 involves thousands of individuals testing the vaccine’s effectiveness across diverse populations.

Once a vaccine passes these phases, it's submitted for regulatory approval, and even after authorization, ongoing monitoring continues to ensure its long-term safety. This meticulous process highlights the dedication to public health and vaccines' critical role in preventing disease.