Health Department encourages residents to get flu vaccine; Drive-thru clinic scheduled Nov. 17

Notice: Due to inclement weather the flu clinic has been postponed from Nov. 10 to Tuesday, Nov. 17 at the same location from 3 to 6 p.m. 

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (November 5, 2020) – The Henderson County Department of Public Health encourages residents to get a flu shot this season and will host a drive-thru vaccination clinic Nov. 17 in Hendersonville.

The Health Department will host a drive-thru vaccination clinic to the public Tuesday, Nov. 17 from 3 to 6 p.m. in the parking lot located at 1300 Seventh Avenue E., Hendersonville, 28792. The lot, which is the former Four Seasons Cinemas site, is located between Seventh Avenue and Hwy. 64 near Lowe’s Home Improvement.

It is more important than ever to get vaccinated against the flu this season with both COVID-19 and influenza circulating this fall and winter.

“The United States is beginning to see the first individuals co-infected with COVID-19 and influenza,” said Director of Nursing Crystal O’Dell. “This is leading to concern that we could see a ‘twindemic’ of influenza and COVID 19. Therefore, we are encouraging individuals to receive their flu vaccine this year to decrease the overall disease burden and allow for timely and effective treatment of those who are ill.”

Insurance companies in-network with the Health Department are listed at www.HendersonCountyFlu.org. The vaccine at this event is available at no cost for those who are uninsured.

Only the flu injection (shot) will be offered. COVID-19 testing will not be provided at this clinic. The event will be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.

Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year. This clinic is open to students, their families and the general public. Those who are immunocompromised or over the age of 65 may call the Health Department to schedule a vaccine appointment.

In North Carolina, flu infections are most common from late fall to early spring with activity usually peaking in January or February. Flu vaccines can make illness milder and reduce the risk of more serious outcomes. It’s important to protect those in the community at high risk of complicated or severe flu infections such as children, pregnant women, seniors and those with medical conditions such as asthma, COPD and diabetes.

Visit www.HendersonCountyFlu.org for more information about this flu season and to download, print and fill out a consent form that will be required for the vaccination event.