Coronavirus / COVID-19 Response


illustration of heart inside a building

Established patients age 5 or older may receive a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot.

The Family Health Centers is offering COVID-19 second booster shots for anyone that has previously received COVID-19 initial vaccines and boosters and meet the following eligibility determination:

  • Individuals age 50 or older: May receive a second booster dose of Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine at least 4 months after receipt of a first booster dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Immunocompromised Individuals: May seek a second booster at least 4 months after receipt of a first booster dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.

Patients are considered to be moderately or severely immunocompromised if you have:

  • Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
  • Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
  • Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
  • Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
  • Advanced or untreated HIV infection
  • Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress their immune response

Please note that a second booster shot is available for immunocompromised patients age 12 and older if the first booster was a Pfizer vaccine, and for patients age 18 and older if the first booster was a Moderna vaccine.

Established patients may receive a COVID-19 vaccine during a scheduled office visit.  Or, patients may receive the vaccine on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday during the following hours:

  • 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
  • 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Available COVID-19 vaccines include:

  • 1st, 2nd, 3rd for immunocompromised, and 1st and 2nd booster shots
  • Pfizer or Moderna vaccines
    (must be age 18 or older to receive Moderna vaccine)

How to plan for your COVID-19 vaccine:

  • Bring your insurance card and a valid ID with you
  • If you have a COVID-19 vaccination card, bring it with you
  • Please plan for an approximate 15-minute wait if you walk in
  • There is no cost to you to receive the COVID-19 vaccine

The vaccine is administered at no cost to all residents of North Carolina.

FHC Staff COVID-19 Testing Tent image

If you have COVID-19 symptoms or suspect exposure, please call us.

  • We are following NC Department of Health recommendations to offer testing to patients with symptoms, and, those with a higher risk of exposure to the virus. The practice is also testing all providers and clinical staff.
  • Should you request a COVID-19 test? Please review new recommendations here
  • If you have symptoms, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, new loss of taste or smell, vomiting or diarrhea, and/or sore throat, we will, in most cases, ask you to come to our Respiratory Clinic to be safely tested for COVID-19.
  • If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, we recommend visiting the symptom “Self-Checker” on this web page provided by Buncombe County before giving us a call.
  • We may recommend Rapid Antigen Testing.  Antigen tests are designed to detect proteins from the virus that causes COVID-19 in respiratory specimens. We may recommend Rapid Antigen testing based on a screening with your provider if appropriate.
  • Please note that a mask or face covering, and a temperature check, are required to enter our facilities. Masks or face coverings must fit securely, and must be worn throughout a visit.

Telehealth Appointments - What to Expect

  • If you have a Smartphone, you will receive a text at your scheduled appointment time. The text will come from an unknown number. Please tap the link in the text message within 10 minutes of your appointment time. If you miss the text or do not tap the link in time, your provider will telephone you.
  • If you do not have a Smartphone, your provider will call you at the designated appointment time. The incoming call number will be our main line, (828) 258-8681.

Your co-pay and deductible will apply. Please be prepared to pay your co-pay prior to your appointment time.

Novel Coronavirus or “COVID-19” information for our established patients:

  • We encourage you to follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updates here.
  • If you suspect infection with COVID-19 and have a fever, cough or shortness of breath, please call ahead so we can direct you to the most appropriate location for care.
  • Our staff wash/disinfect hands in between each new patient appointment, and we encourage you to do the same. We have soap and hand sanitizer available for in office use.
  • We have initiated protocols to minimize your time in the waiting room and to minimize your close proximity to another patient while in our office.

Office Location Updates

    • The Asheville, Arden and Hominy Valley locations are  open for labs and select in-person appointments. Closed for lunch.
    • The Respiratory Clinic is offered at the Asheville Lower Level.  Closed for lunch.
    • X-Ray and Bone Density appointments are available.
    • Saturday Clinics offered at the Asheville Upper Level, by appointment only. Please call ahead so that we may assess your situation and direct you to the appropriate appointment. Closed for lunch.
    • All walk-in clinics are temporarily CLOSED

Martha doing lab work

To prevent the spread of this illness or others, including the flu:

  • Wear a face covering in the presence of persons outside of your household.
  • Maintain a safe social distance of 6 feet from others outside of your household.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with the crease of your arm when you cough or sneeze.
  • Avoid handshakes.  Do not touch your nose or eyes.
  • Stay home when you are sick, and respect CDC recommendations for social distancing.