News Flash

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 1^st 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)