This news item expired on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
If you've seen the movie Contagion, you've seen how a virus like the flu can quickly and easily travel around the world. Fortunately, seasonal flu isn’t usually as deadly for most people as the virus in the movie, but it can be for some. This 
is exactly why public health officials urge everyone over the age of 6 months to get a flu vaccine every year.
The Buncombe County Department of Health (DOH) would like for everyone to get a flu shot wherever it is most convenient for them. To help make that a little easier, the DOH, in partnership with Maxim Healthcare, is taking flu clinics to seven schools throughout the County. Because of this, the DOH will NOT have a flu clinic at the mall this year.
Flu shots are available at drugstores, doctors’ offices… and at a school near you.
Flu vaccine clinics for anyone 6 months of age and above, will be held from 4 - 7 p.m. at the following locations:
- October 10 Owen Middle School
- October 11 AC Reynolds High School
- October 12 TC Roberson High School
- October 13 Asheville Middle School
- October 17 North Windy Ridge
- October 18 Enka Middle School
- October 19 Erwin High School
Flu shots are $24, and flu mist is available for $29. Payment may be made by cash or check; however credit cards may not be used. Most insurance carriers are accepted, including Medicaid and Medicare Part B, if the cards are presented. Children through 18 years of age not covered by insurance may qualify for a flu shot at no cost.
Because it is still prevalent, the H1N1 strain is a part of the seasonal flu vaccine again this year. Since H1N1 affects healthy young adults and children, it is particularly important that they receive a vaccine.
Public health officials recommend that everyone 6 months of age and above have a flu shot, unless there is a medical reason that they cannot. It's also important that parents, grandparents and other caregivers of infants under 6 months old get a flu shot.
Having a flu shot not only protects the person who gets it, it also protects others by helping to prevent flu from spreading.