News

Health department offers flu shots at mall

By Lightning Reports, Published: October 11, 2021

The Henderson County Department of Public Health will offer the seasonal flu vaccine to the public Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Blue Ridge Mall.

Starting this week, both flu and Covid-19 vaccines will be available at the former JCPenney location at the Blue Ridge Mall, 1800 Four Seasons Boulevard, Hendersonville. The clinic is open 9-11:45 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Flu vaccines are offered on a walk-in basis. Additionally, individuals getting their Covid-19 shot at the clinic can receive a flu vaccine during the same visit. Children 18 and under without insurance can receive the flu vaccine at no charge.

The Health Department accepts insurance, Medicaid or cash/check only for flu vaccine. Insurance companies in-network with the Health Department are listed at www.HendersonCountyFlu.org. The cost of the vaccine for uninsured is $40, cash or check payments only.

In North Carolina, flu infections are most common from late fall to early spring with activity usually peaking in January or February. Getting a flu shot is the best way to avoid the flu or make illness milder to reduce the risk of more serious outcomes.

“I recommend a flu shot every fall to everyone age 6 months and older,” said Dr. Diana Curran, the health department's medical director. “Each year, the influenza virus may change into new strains. Over time, people lose their immune protection from past infection or vaccination. Both new strains and waning immunity put people at risk of catching the flu virus every year.

“Getting a flu shot is the best way to make illness milder and reduce the risk of more serious outcomes,” she added. “The people at highest risk are babies and young children, pregnant women, advanced age people and those with heart, lung or other chronic health conditions. By getting a flu vaccine this year, you can protect yourself and others from a bad flu year.”