Get Vaccinated

Influenza viruses are constantly adapting, and influenza vaccines must be updated each year.  For that reason, an annual vaccination is recommended.

Regional Vaccination Information

Click on the appropriate link below for information on getting vaccinated in your area.

• Get Vaccinated:
  • Brunswick County
  • Charlotte Area
  • Rowan County
  • Thomasville Area
  • Winston-Salem Area

Types of Flu Vaccines

There are two types of flu vaccines available:

• A flu shot is a vaccine given with a needle. It is made with inactivated or killed virus and is safe for people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
• A nasal spray is made with live, weakened viruses that do not cause flu. It is sometimes called LAIV, which stands for "live attenuated influenza vaccine" or FluMist®. It is approved for healthy people ages 2-49 years who are not pregnant.

Who Should Get Vaccinated? 

In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, it is more important for some people to get vaccinated, while some people should not be vaccinated.

Vaccine Effectiveness and Side Effects

Different side effects can be associated with the flu shot and Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV).

Flu shot viruses are inactivated, so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. However, the following minor side effects may occur:

• Soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given
• Fever (low grade)
• Aches

If these problems occur, they begin shortly after the shot and usually last one to two days. Almost all people who receive influenza vaccine have no serious problems from it. However, on rare occasions, flu vaccination can cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions.

The viruses in the LAIV (FluMist®) are weakened and do not cause severe symptoms often associated with influenza illness. In clinical studies, transmission of vaccine viruses to close contacts has occurred only rarely. In adults, side effects from LAIV (FluMist®). can include runny nose, headache, sore throat and cough.

Where can you get Vaccinated?

To learn more about Novant Health facilities and services in your region, click on one of the links below.

Brunswick County
http://www.brunswickcommunityhospital.org/

Charlotte Area 
http://www.presbyterian.org/

Rowan County
http://www.rowan.org/

Thomasville Area
http://www.thomasvillemedicalcenter.org/

Winston-Salem Area 
http://www.forsythmedicalcenter.org/