As cases of COVID-19 rise across the country, Wake County medical officials don’t want residents to forget about another respiratory virus that spreads easily this time of year – the flu. That’s why the Public Health Division has extended its community flu clinics into December and encourages any residents who have yet to be vaccinated to take their shot against the flu.
“Getting an annual flu shot is especially important this year,” said Dr. Nicole Mushonga, Wake County’s associate medical director and Epidemiology Program director. “While COVID-19 has been on the top of people’s minds this year, influenza is not a disease that should be taken lightly. Every year thousands of people are hospitalized or die from the illness. Getting vaccinated now can maximize your protection well into spring.”
Flu clinics will continue on Wednesday, Dec. 2 and Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the Sunnybrook Building on our Human Service campus located at 10 Sunnybrook Rd. in Raleigh.
The cost for the vaccine is $30, but for pregnant women who are uninsured or children under age 19 who meet certain criteria, the flu shot will be given at no cost.
Who Should Get a Flu Shot?
Wake County Public Health encourages everyone to get vaccinated against the flu – especially children ages 5 and younger, and adults 65 and older, because they’re at greater risk of becoming seriously ill from flu.
They also advise that frontline workers, caregivers, first responders and people with underlying health conditions get a flu shot.
Precautions that protect against COVID-19, also help protect from the flu – proper hand hygiene, social distancing, staying home when sick and wearing a mask.
Symptoms of the flu include fever, dry cough, headache, sore throat, chills, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite.
For more information about how you can “take your shot” against the flu, visit wakegov.com/takeyourshot.
