The Department of Public Health is now offering free influenza (flu) vaccinations, regardless of insurance status. To protect the health and safety of our staff and clients, flu vaccines at the Immunization Clinic located in the Health Department (1235 Ramsey, St., Fayetteville) are by appointment only.
“We are still fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in Cumberland County,” said Health Director Dr. Jennifer Green. “As we enter the flu season, we must protect our healthcare and frontline workers. Getting your flu shot is a simple way to help these heroes who have been fighting this pandemic tirelessly since March.”
The public must call (910) 321-7116 to make an appointment to receive the flu vaccine at Cumberland County Health Department Immunization Clinic. Upon arrival at the Clinic, participants will complete a short registration form and if insured, a copy of insurance cards will be captured, and the insurance company will be billed. Participants will not receive a bill for flu vaccines.
Children, 18 and younger, can also receive a free flu vaccine through the Vaccines for Children program. Anyone accompanying a minor must show proof of custody.
Community Flu Shot Clinics
The Health Department is also partnering with community agencies to offer free flu vaccine clinics throughout the County. The public can choose between drive-thru or in-person flu vaccine services. No appointments are required for community flu clinics. Drive-thru clinics begin November 10. All dates and locations can be found on the Cumberland Flu Clinic website at www.co.cumberland.nc.us/fluclinic.
To protect the health and safety of our staff and clients, flu vaccinations given by drive-up cannot accommodate those on foot. Directional signage will guide the public through the registration line. Individuals receiving a vaccination must sit next to an operational window, be wearing a mask and remain in vehicles. Staff will administer flu vaccinations through the window. Individuals in middle or third row seats can not be vaccinated.
Children who need additional attention will be directed to a separate parking area. Please do not take ride-shares or public transportation to drive-thru flu clinics. Please do not bring pets to the drive-thru flu clinic.
Is it flu or Covid-19?
There are some key differences between flu and COVID-19. COVID-19 seems to spread more easily than flu and causes more serious illnesses in some people. It can also take longer before people show symptoms and people can be contagious for longer. Another important difference is there is a vaccine to protect against flu. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus.
Flu and COVID-19 share many characteristics, but there are some key differences between the two.
“While many unknowns surrounding COVID-19 remains; we do know having a cough, fever or fatigue can be symptoms of both the flu and COVID-19,” said Dr. Green. “At least one symptom that COVID-19 and flu do not share is the loss of taste many COVID-19 positive individuals report.”
While more is learned every day, there is still a lot that is unknown about COVID-19 and the virus that causes it. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) update information daily and has the best available information to date.
Staying Updated
Cumberland County has made it easy for you to stay updated on the latest information about COVID-19. You can visit our COVID-19 webpage, which has a list of COVID-19-related closures and service changes. The county is also sharing important information on its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.