Hickory Sun

Burke County issued the following announcement on Sept. 23.

Since this flu season is a little different with COVID-19 infection also affecting Burke County residents, the Burke County Health Department is strongly encouraging residents to get a flu shot this year to help reduce the number of flu cases. Residents can get a flu shot at the Burke County Health Department, their health care provider or local pharmacy. Remember that it takes about two weeks for the flu shot to work well in the body so plan to get your flu shot early this year. Due to a limited supply of flu shots, the health department will be giving flu shots as long as they last but will not be giving any flu shots inside the building at any time.

The health department will be hosting drive thru Flu Shot Clinics at their location; 700 East Parker Road, Morganton on the following days and times:

1) Tuesday, October 6, 2020 from 3pm – 7pm

2) Wednesday, October 7, 2020 from 9am – 12pm

3) Thursday, October 8, 2020 from 3pm – 6pm

Appointments are preferred but drive ins are welcome. Please bring your Medicaid and/or Medicare Part B or Blue Cross/Blue Shield cards with you to the clinic. If you do not have these types of insurance, the cost of the flu shot is $30.00.

You can download the flu shot paperwork to complete and bring with you or you can complete the paperwork at the health department while in line. You can access the Flu Shot Consent Form on the health department’s main page at www.burkenc.org/1221/health-department The link will be listed as Flu Consent Form 2020 and just click on that link to be able to print the form, complete and bring with you.

If you have any questions, feel free to call the health department at 828-764-9150 for more information.

More tips to stay healthy this winter:

• Avoid contact with people who are sick

• STAY AT HOME when you are sick to reduce spread of germs

• Wear your face covering over your nose and mouth and be sure to cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer when you don’t have access to soap and water. Especially wash your hand or sanitize after sneezing, coughing, using the bathroom, touching common surfaces, etc.)

Original source: https://www.burkenc.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=494