COVID-19 Vaccine & Booster Information
The CDC recommends that people ages 5 years and older receive one updated (bivalent) booster if it has been at least 2 months since their last COVID-19 vaccine dose, whether that was:
- Their final primary series dose, or
- An original (monovalent) booster
Patients age 6 months or older may receive a COVID-19 vaccine during a scheduled office visit, or on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday during the following recommended hours:
- 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Patients may receive both a COVID-19 vaccine or booster and the flu vaccine at your visit.
When a child receives a COVID-19 Booster:
- A parent or guardian must complete a consent form
- Expect a 15-minute observation time. For patients with a history of allergic reactions, there is a 30-minute observation time.
COVID-19 Vaccines for Kids
COVID-19 vaccines are now authorized for children ages 6 months and older. A booster dose of the vaccine is available for kids 5-11 who got their vaccines more than 2 months ago.
What parents should know about the COVID-19 Vaccine for young children:
- The vaccine has been tested on kids.
- Temporary side effects are similar to older kids and adults.
- Children may receive a shot in the arm or the leg.
- If your child has had COVID-19, he or she should still get the shot unless sick with COVID-19 right now.
- Talk to younger children about vaccines – they protect them from getting really sick, they will feel a pinch from the needle, and they will need another vaccine in a few weeks.
Please note: COVID-19 vaccine inventories vary. You may wish to call ahead to verify availability before walking in for a COVID-19 vaccine.
The vaccine is administered at no cost to all residents of North Carolina.
Other Vaccine Resources
Contact the NC DHHS COVID-19 Help Center at 1-888-675-4567
Visit http://myspot.nc.gov to find and schedule with your local vaccine provider.
Buncombe County Health Department at 40 Coxe Avenue, Downtown Asheville. Buncombe County additional Assistance by phone is available by calling 828-419-0095.
Need the vaccine to come to you? Check this list of vaccine providers who offer in-home service for those who are homebound.
Sam’s Club offers vaccine appointments at most area locations. Non-members can sign up for a free guest membership to schedule their appointments. Schedule appointments here.
CVS is offering limited vaccine appointments in the Western North Carolina region. Check here for available locations.
Sona Pharmacy is offering the COVID-19 vaccine. You can sign up for email updates (including when specific vaccines will be in stock), get up-to-date information, and book your vaccine appointment on the SONA website here.
Ingles Pharmacy offers the COVID-19 vaccine at a limited number of pharmacy locations. More information here.
MAHEC offers appointments for eligible adults. Register with MAHEC here.
Walgreens offers a limited number of COVID-19 vaccine appointments. More info here.
Non-Buncombe County residents: please check your county health department website for updates
Helpful links:
Haywood County Public Health Services
Haywood Vaccine Sign up Form
Henderson County Department of Public Health
Pardee Hospital – UNC Health Vaccine page
McDowell & Rutherford Counties – Foothills Health District
Madison County Health Department
Please note that there may be intermittent delays with appointments when counties are awaiting vaccine allotments from the State.
Important Facts About the COVID-19 Vaccine
- COVID-19 vaccines will NOT give you COVID-19
- People who have gotten sick with COVID-19 may still benefit from getting vaccinated
- Getting vaccinated can help prevent getting sick with COVID-19
- COVID-19 vaccines will not cause you to test positive on COVID-19 viral tests
- COVID-19 has caused very serious illness and death for a lot of people. If you get COVID-19, you risk giving it to loved ones who may get sick. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is a safer choice.