For Immediate Release
09/16/2021
COVID-19 Information
Phone: 980-432-1800
Website: www.rowancountync.gov/COVID-19
Email: covid-19@rowancountync.gov
Vaccine Information
Website: www.rowancountync.gov/COVIDvaccine
Follow Us: www.facebook.com/rowancountyhealth
Rowan County COVID-19 Case Information: https://bit.ly/rowan-covid19-hub
Why Should I Get a Flu Vaccine, Especially This Year?
We recommend the flu vaccine every year; however, this year it is even more important than ever with the delta variant being so prevalent within our community. If anything, especially this year, you want to protect your respiratory system as much as you can!
By getting your flu vaccine, you are not only reducing your risk of illness, but it can also prevent a possible hospitalization and possibly even death. Also, by getting your flu shot, it can help conserve the very limited health care resources that we are currently experiencing, such as beds, for those who are hospitalized with other illnesses and/or with COVID.
It is important to note that the flu vaccine will not help protect you against COVID-19, because they are two different types of viruses. However, it is important to remember that this year’s flu vaccine has been updated to better protect you against the flu strains that we expect to circulate this flu season.
Flu activity usually peaks anywhere between December and February, although it can be active as late as April or May. More importantly, this upcoming flu season will be very unpredictable. This is due to the overall reduced immunity from the very low flu virus activity during last year’s flu season—even more reason why you need to get a flu vaccine this fall!
How well the flu vaccine works each season is determined by several factors, including a person’s age, underlying disease and circulating strains in the community. Efficacy can vary from about 25 to 75 percent, but 60 percent is about what is typical. Even when the flu shot doesn’t totally prevent the flu, you usually get a milder form of the virus if you contract the flu after having the flu shot.
Generally, anyone, six months and older, should get an annual flu shot. It is especially important for vulnerable populations, like older adults and those with pre-existing medical conditions like cancer or diabetes, to get the flu vaccine in hopes of helping protect their bodies against the burden of respiratory illness. The flu vaccine has also been found to be safe and recommended for pregnant women to receive, as well.
There are few rare exceptions identified by the CDC. They include people who are allergic to the flu vaccine or anything used to make it. If you have concerns, talk to your care team.
Don’t wait to schedule your flu shot for you and your family! Below is a list of local agencies and/or businesses that are offering the flu vaccine right now or have future plans to offer it once supplies are received:
Cannon Pharmacy
1401 Jake Alexander Blvd., S., Salisbury
980-892-0700
*Call for an appointment
CVS
1702 E. Innes St., Salisbury
704-633-7135
*Walk-ins are welcome
CVS
1924 Statesville Blvd., Salisbury
704-636-1616
*Walk-ins are welcome
CVS
8765 US 52, Rockwell
704-279-2581
*Walk-ins are welcome
Food Lion Pharmacy
525 Jake Alexander Blvd., W., Salisbury
704-636-7615
*Please call to schedule an appointment
Food Lion Pharmacy
1460 S. Main St., China Grove
704-855-1316
*Walk-ins are welcome
Moose Pharmacy
1408 West Innes Street, Salisbury
704-636-6340
*Walk-ins are welcome,
but appointments are preferred
(www. moosepharmacy.com)
Masks are required
The Medicine Shoppe
1357 W. Innes St., Salisbury
704-637-6120
*Walk-ins are welcome; M-F 10 am – 5pm;
Masks are preferred
Walgreens
1505 E. Innes St., Salisbury
704-637-6864
*Walk-ins are welcome
Walgreens
1906 W. Innes St., Salisbury
704-636-7479
*Walk-ins are welcome
Walgreens
705 Jake Alexander Blvd., Salisbury
704-630-0738
*Walk-ins are welcome
Walgreens
508 N. US 29 Hwy., China Grove
704-857-0116
*Walk-ins are welcome
Walmart Pharmacy
323 South Arlington St., Salisbury
704-639-9804
NOVANT HEALTH, ROWAN MEDICAL CLINICS:
*All Novant clinics should have flu vaccines by October 1st and will be offering them by appointment only. Please call your primary physician to schedule an appointment.
**Novant clinics are also accepting new patients at this time, if anyone needs a doctor and/or needs to get their flu vaccine.
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PIO Contact:
Amy Smith
704-216-8859
amy.smith@rowancountync.gov
Download Media Release COVID-19 - September 16, 2021 (PDF)