Macon and Trousdale County Health Departments To Treat Patients This Saturday and Sunday

The Macon and Trousdale County Health Departments will open this weekend to offer flu and tetanus shots free of charge to area residents and to provide WIC vouchers to eligible recipients. Additionally, the Macon Health Department will be providing primary care services on a sliding fee scale to anyone needing treatment. Primary care includes treatment of acute illnesses and injuries, management of chronic diseases, basic lab services and a limited pharmacy.  Hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 9 -10. No appointment is necessary.

Pregnant women and children under 5 years of age may be eligible for WIC, a supplemental nutrition program. Families who are currently receiving WIC and have lost their vouchers can visit the Health Department for replacements.

In light of recent injuries sustained during tornadoes that swept through the area on February 5, the State Health Department is urging injured residents to get a tetanus shot to be protected from the bacteria, which enters the body through a break in the skin. Adolescents 11 and older and adults should receive a booster shot every 10 years, or after a confirmed or possible exposure to tetanus.

Also, as state residents contend with the first confirmed cases of flu in Tennessee, the Department of Health is recommending that victims of the tornadoes receive the flu vaccine, which will prevent the spread of illness among groups of individuals who may be living in closed and confined spaces. Protecting an individual from the flu also helps protect those who may not be able to get a vaccine, such as young infants or people with certain medical conditions. It is especially important for people at high risk for contracting the flu, or anyone who comes into contact with a high-risk person, to get vaccinated. Those considered at high risk include:

1. Pregnant women
2. Persons more than 50 years of age
3. All children age 6 months to 5 years of age
4. Anyone with a chronic medical condition such as diabetes or heart disease
5. Residents of long-term care facilities and nursing homes
6. Anyone living with or caring for young infants or anyone in the above mentioned groups, especially healthcare providers

The Macon County Health Department is located at 601 Highway 52 Bypass East in Lafayette.  Normal hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Those needing more information may call (615) 666-2142.

The Trousdale County Health Department is located at 541 East Main Street in Hartsville.  Normal hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  This location can be reached by calling (615) 374-2112.

During normal operating hours, local Health Departments offer the following services: for children – immunizations, Well Child/EPSDT screens, WIC nutrition services, children’s special services care coordination; and for adults, breast and cervical cancer screening, family planning services, HIV counseling and testing, and communicable disease control.