Be a Hero. Save a Life. Get a Flu Shot.

Since the current flu season began, four N.C. residents have lost their lives to flu related illness. Providers across the State and locally are seeing increased cases of flu. The geographic coverage of flu was widespread for North Carolina for the week ending Nov. 29, 2014. Influenza-like illness was also above baseline in the southeastern U.S. during the week ending Nov. 22, 2014.

Instead of risking the flu this holiday, be a hero and protect yourself and those you care about by following these simple steps to prevent spreading and getting the flu:

1. Get a flu shot
2. Cover your cough
3. Wash your hands
4. Stay home if you’re sick

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that the flu causes over 200,000 hospitalizations every year. The flu can also be unpredictably serious and even deadly and can cause fever, chills and body aches resulting in missed days of work and school. Doctors recommend that all individuals six months and older get the flu vaccine each and every year. The flu vaccine is designed each year to address current flu strains so it is important to get a flu shot every year. 

Flu shots are usually available at health care provider offices, drug stores and grocery stores.  Flu vaccine is also available at the Buncombe County Health and Human Services Immunization Clinic located at 40 Coxe Ave. in downtown Asheville, across the street from the post office and bus station.  Parking is free and no appointment is necessary - Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The cost of the flu vaccine at the Immunization Clinic is as follows:

• Regular flu shot for anyone 3 years of age and older costs $31
• Flu shot for children 6-35 months of age costs $35
• Flu mist (flu vaccine in a nasal spray) for healthy, non-pregnant individuals (2 – 49 years of age) costs $33
• High-dose flu shot for adults 65 years and older costs $43

We accept Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance and self-pay (cash, check, debit or credit card).  Those with no insurance may qualify for free vaccine based on eligibility.

We encourage the community to make good health choices for themselves and for those they care about. By getting a flu shot, individuals not only protect themselves but also protect vulnerable populations like those with preexisting health conditions, small children and the elderly by reducing the likelihood of spreading the flu.

For more information visit our website at www.buncombecounty.org/flu.