October 16, 2026 – Albany Area Primary Health Care (AAPHC) clinics have received flu vaccines and are administering them to patients.
Flu season typically occurs during the fall and winter months. This year's season is expected to run from October 2026 through April or May 2027, with peak activity anticipated in February 2027.
Flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. Common flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some individuals may also experience vomiting and diarrhea. It is important to note that some people infected with the flu may experience respiratory symptoms without developing a fever.
"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an annual flu vaccine as the first and most important step in reducing the risk of flu illness and its potentially serious complications," said Dr. Edward Vance, Chief Medical Officer at AAPHC. "Getting vaccinated helps protect not only yourself, but also your family, coworkers, and those in our community who may be at higher risk for severe illness."
Flu vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of illness and can lessen the severity of symptoms for people who still become sick after vaccination. Vaccination is especially important for individuals at higher risk of serious flu-related complications, including young children, pregnant women, adults 65 years and older, and people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease.
In addition to receiving a flu vaccine, individuals can take the following steps to help prevent the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses:
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, as germs can spread this way.
- Stay home when you are sick to help prevent spreading illness to others.
For information about AAPHC providers, locations, and scheduling a flu vaccine, visit aaphc.org.
About Albany Primary Health Care
Serving Southwest Georgia since 1979, Albany Area Primary Health Care (AAPHC) is one of the largest physician groups in Southwest Georgia and the region's largest Community Health Center. With more than 90 providers and 30 locations, AAPHC cares for patients across ten counties throughout Southwest Georgia.
AAPHC provides care in the specialties of Aesthetics, Behavioral Health, Dentistry, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Midwifery, Podiatry, and Ophthalmology. AAPHC medical offices welcome adults and children regardless of residence, income, or insurance coverage. AAPHC is committed to providing quality care to all who access its services.