Flu shots now available at health department

Diane Turbyfill, The Shelby Star
·2 min read
3
A nurse prepares a flu shot.
A nurse prepares a flu shot.

The Cleveland County Health Department is once again offering flu shots and encouraging residents 6 months and older to get it.

The vaccine is safe and effective and the best way to protect yourself and your family from getting the flu, health officials say.

“Steps to prevent the flu are very similar to the steps we encourage individuals to take to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including getting vaccinated,” said DeShay Oliver, Cleveland County deputy health director. “Individuals who are at highest risk of severe illness from the flu are similar to those factors that place individuals at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 including being 65 or older, having underlying health conditions, being pregnant, having a weakened immune system, or living in a congregate living setting. You can get your flu vaccine at the same time you get your COVID vaccine, including the updated bivalent booster.”

In addition to vaccination, the following healthy habits can protect from flu and other viruses:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with tissue when you cough or sneeze.

  • Throw the tissue in the trash promptly after use.

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

  • Stay home if you are sick. You should stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone and other symptoms have improved, except to get medical care.

Flu vaccine will be available at the Cleveland County Health Department beginning from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, no appointment necessary. Appointments are required for the COVID-19 vaccine by calling 980-484-6019.

The flu vaccine is free of charge for children 18 and younger who have Medicaid, do not have insurance or are underinsured (meaning insurance does not cover the flu vaccine). The vaccine will also be free for uninsured (non-Medicaid) pregnant women 19 and older who are serviced by the health department and women 19 and older who have a family planning waiver and are receiving services at the health department. I

Insurance companies can be billed.

Otherwise the charge for the vaccine is $55. There are also a limited number of the Flublok vaccines for those 18 and older and high dose flu vaccines for those 65 and older.  Insurance, Medicare or Medicaid can be billed or the cost is $90.

For additional information, call the Cleveland County Health Department Immunization Clinic at 980-484-5100 or go to www.flu.nc.gov.

This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: Flu shots now available at health department