With the holiday season fast approaching, Wake County Public Health is urging all residents to prioritize their health this fall and get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. To make it easier for the community to get vaccinated, Wake County is hosting weekly walk-in clinics through Nov. 20.
Residents can stop by the Wake County Public Health Center between 1–5 p.m. each Wednesday to receive their vaccine. The clinics are open to everyone and no appointment is necessary. Wake County Public Health Center is located at 10 Sunnybrook Road in Raleigh.
“Viruses like the flu and COVID-19 can spread quickly in close-knit settings like family gatherings, especially during the holidays,” said Wake County Board of Commissioners Vice Chair Susan Evans. “Getting your vaccines now can help protect not only yourself but also the most vulnerable people in your life – young children, seniors and those with weakened immune systems.”
Last year’s respiratory illnesses peaked in November and December. It saw a total of 9,608 emergency department visits related to the flu and 12,562 visits for COVID-19.
The exact timing and duration of respiratory illness seasons can vary, but cases often begin to increase in mid-October and peak between December and February. It takes about two weeks to build immunity after getting the shot, meaning now is the perfect time to get protected for upcoming holidays and gatherings.
Where to get vaccinated
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available in nearly every pharmacy, clinic, doctor’s office, health department and some schools and universities. You can easily find a location near you by visiting vaccines.gov and entering in your ZIP code.
Wake County Public Health’s walk-in clinics will be held at the Public Health Center located at 10 Sunnybrook Road in Raleigh. The clinics are scheduled on Wednesdays, from 1 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 9, 16, 23 and 30, and Nov. 6, 13 and 20.
No appointment is needed, but clients can speed up their visit by filling out a registration form ahead of time.
The flu vaccine can be taken as a shot or as a nasal spray. COVID-19 vaccines are only available in shot form.
What is the cost?
If you have health insurance, most insurers cover the cost of flu and COVID-19 vaccines at our clinics as part of preventive care. People who are 65 or older enrolled in Medicare Part B plans and most people on Medicaid can also receive their annual flu shots at no personal cost.
If you are attending one of Wake County’s clinics and you or your child are uninsured, let staff know. COVID-19 vaccines may be available at no cost for uninsured individuals.
For flu shots, there is no charge for the vaccine for:
- Uninsured pregnant women
- Children who qualify for the Vaccines for Children Program (VFC). To qualify they must be under 19 years of age and one of the following:
- Uninsured or underinsured
- Medicaid recipients
- American Indian or Alaskan
Adults without insurance can pay $30, cash or check, for a flu vaccine. There is also a high-dose flu vaccine, recommended for those over 65 years old, for $60.
Can you get a flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine together?
Yes! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the updated COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines can be administered without regard to timing. It’s not only safe but convenient to receive both shots at the same time.
Who should get the flu and COVID-19 vaccine?
Wake County Public Health encourages everyone to get vaccinated against these viruses – especially children ages 5 and younger, and adults 65 and older – because they’re at greater risk of becoming seriously ill.
They also advise frontline workers, caregivers, first responders and people with underlying health conditions to get a flu and COVID-19 shots.
For more information and a weekly clinic schedule, visit wake.gov/covid.
