Press release from the Henderson County Department of Public Health:
The Department of Public Health will offer seasonal flu vaccine to all public school students in grades K-12 and staff at in-school clinics throughout October. Eighteen school nurses will make the vaccine available during school hours to over 13,500 students and staff in 25 schools.
“We look forward to offering this opportunity again to students and staff, especially after the hard flu season we experienced last year,” said Kim Berry, school nurse supervisor. “Flu can spread easily, and school-aged children can be a primary source of flu outbreaks.”
Berry stated that the partnership between the Health Department and Henderson County Public Schools to protect students against the flu also benefits the community with more protection for those unable to take flu vaccine, less absenteeism for students and less missed work for parents who have to care for sick children.
A letter and consent form will be sent home with students before the scheduled clinics. Parents will receive a School Messenger Alert from the school system announcing the date of their child’s clinic and the deadline for returning the consent form. The schedule, consent form, notice of privacy and vaccine information statements also can be accessed at www.HendersonCountyFlu.org.
Only the flu injection (shot) will be offered. Flu vaccine will be given to only those students who have returned completed consent forms.
The Health Department accepts the following insurance: Medicare Part B, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC, United Health Care, Medcost, Medicaid, Health Choice, Aetna, Appalachian Benefit Associates, Crescent Health Solutions, Healthgram, Humana Choice Care, Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS, Humana/Choice Care Commercial Plans and WNC Health Coalition.
The best way to prevent flu is by getting vaccinated every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an annual influenza vaccine for everyone six months of age and older.
Flu vaccine for the general public will be available beginning October 1 in the Immunization Clinic, and no appointment will be necessary. Immunization Clinic hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:00-11:30 a.m. and 1:00-4:00 p.m. and on Wednesday 1:00-4:00 p.m.
For flu vaccine information, call the Immunization Clinic at (828) 694-6015 or visit www.HendersonCountyFlu.org.
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