Flu
About Flu
Influenza (flu) is a serious disease that can cause mild to severe illness. More serious infection can lead to hospitalization or death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyday preventive actions like staying away from people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and frequent hand washing to help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses, like flu.
Flu shots are now available in our immunization clinic! Call us at 919-560-7608 to schedule an appointment.
Flu shots
Flu shots are recommended for everyone age 6 months or older with rare exceptions. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from influenza.
Call us at 919-760-5608 to schedule an appointment in our clinic, or visit vaccines.gov to find other vaccination locations.
About Flu Shots:
- Flu vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor's visits each year. For example, during 2019-2020, the last flu season prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, flu vaccination prevented an estimated 7 million influenza illnesses, 3 million influenza-associated medical visits, 100,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations, and 7,000 influenza-associated deaths in the United States.
- During seasons when flu vaccine viruses are similar to circulating flu viruses, flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor with flu by 40% to 60%.
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The viruses in a flu shot are killed (inactivated), so you cannot get flu from a flu shot. Some minor side effects that may occur are:
- Soreness, redness, and/or swelling where the shot was given
- Headache
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Flu Symptoms and Risk
Symptoms of flu
- Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults
*it is important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever
People at high-risk
Anyone can get sick with flu, and serious problems related to flu can happen at any age, but some people are at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick:
- People 65 years and older
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease)
- Pregnant women
- Children younger than 5 years, especially those younger than 2 years old
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make an appointment or receive a walk-in vaccination?
To schedule an appointment, call 919-560-7608.
Walk-ins accepted as schedule allows. May require wait time. Walk-in hours:
- Monday – Thursday, 8:30am -11:00am & 1:00pm to 3:30pm
- Friday 8:30am -11:30am
What ages can be vaccinated at the Health Department?
We provide vaccinations to all people age 6 months or older.
Which vaccine is being offered at the health department?
We are currently offering Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Novavax is unavailable at this time.
How much do COVID-19 vaccines cost?
COVID-19 vaccines are covered by most private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. Vaccines are also available for people who are uninsured. People with insurance must bring their insurance card to their appointment.
How can people under 18 schedule appointments?
All people age 6 months and older are eligible to be vaccinated! People under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.