Health Team

Get your flu shot: Wake County opens flu clinic in Raleigh

Flu season is here, and health experts say people who haven't yet received their flu shot should get it as soon as possible.

Posted Updated

By
Jessica Patrick
, WRAL multiplatform producer
RALEIGH, N.C. — Flu season is here, and health experts say people who haven't yet received their flu shot should get it as soon as possible.

To encourage people to get a flu shot, Wake County will hold at least two flu clinics in the month of December. The clinics will both be held at the Sunnybrook Building at 10 Sunnybrook Road in Raleigh on:

  • Wednesday, Dec. 2 from 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The flu clinic is walk-in, so no appointments are necessary. The vaccine costs $30, although free flu shots will be offered to pregnant women who don’t have health insurance and children who are under the age of 19 who are either uninsured or underinsured, Medicaid eligible or American Indian or Alaskan Native.

Many grocery stores and pharmacies also offer flu shots, which may be free based on your insurance. Find a flu shot site near you.
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human services, one person has died from flu-related complications in the state so far this season. Although most flu activity peaks between December and February, the state tracks deaths from Sept. 27 to May 8.

Getting a flu vaccine especially important this year, even if you are social distancing and staying in during the pandemic.

"Influenza is not a disease that should be taken lightly," said Dr. Nicole Mushonga, Wake County’s associate medical director. "Every year thousands of people are hospitalized or die from the illness. Getting vaccinated now can maximize your protection well into spring."

Wake County officials say everyone to get vaccinated against the flu, especially young children and adults 65 and older. It's also important to frontline workers, caregivers, first responders and people with underlying health conditions to get a flu shot.

People can prevent the flu and COVID-19 by practicing social distancing and hand hygiene, staying home when they are sick and wearing a mask in public.

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