Clinic open every Thursday through Nov. 20
As flu season approaches, Wake County Public Health is making it easy for residents to prioritize their health this fall and get their annual flu vaccine. To make it convenient for the community, Wake County is hosting weekly walk-in clinics through Nov. 20.
Residents can stop by the Wake County Public Health Center between 1–6 p.m. each Thursday 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.
“Getting your flu shot now helps build immunity before the season peaks,” said Wake County Commissioner Shinica Thomas. “It’s one of the simplest things you can do to keep yourself and your family healthy heading into the holidays.”
The flu tends to spread quickly in households, schools and workplaces, particularly during fall and winter gatherings. Last season, Wake County saw more than 9,700 emergency department visits for flu-related illness and nine associated deaths.
Health officials stress that vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of severe illness, especially among young children, older adults and people with chronic health conditions. Because it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective, residents are encouraged to get their shot as soon as possible.
Where to get vaccinated
Flu vaccines are available in nearly every pharmacy, clinic, doctor’s office, health department and some schools and universities.
Wake County Public Health’s walk-in clinics will be held at the Public Health Center (10 Sunnybrook Road in Raleigh). The clinics are scheduled on Thursdays, 1–6 p.m. on Oct. 9, Oct. 16, Oct. 23, Oct. 30, Nov. 6, Nov. 13 and Nov. 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 an injection or as a nasal spray.
What is the cost?
If you have health insurance, most insurers cover the cost of flu vaccines at our clinics as part of preventive care. People who are 65 or older enrolled in Medicare Part B 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.
For flu shots, there is no charge for the vaccine for:
- Uninsured pregnant women
- Children who qualify for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program
- American Indian or Alaskan Native individuals
Adults without insurance can pay $30 (cash or check) for a standard flu vaccine. A high-dose flu vaccine recommended for people 65 and older is available for $60.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
Wake County Public Health encourages everyone to get vaccinated — especially children aged 6 months to 5 years, adults 65 and older, frontline workers, caregivers, first responders and people with underlying health conditions.
For more information and a weekly clinic schedule, visit wake.gov/flu.
