Get Back on Track with Immunizations

Get Back on Track with Immunizations

Immunizations save lives- a fact that has been demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. People who are vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine are less likely to die or be hospitalized due to the COVID-19 virus. While the COVID-19 vaccine has gotten a lot of well-deserved fanfare for reducing the impact of COVID-19 in our communities, it is not the only immunization you and your family should know about. Now it is time to get back on track with immunizations.

Immunizations are highly effective at preventing widespread community outbreaks of many communicable diseases like measles, mumps, and even the flu. Immunizations work because they teach our immune systems to recognize and defend against invading viruses and bacteria. This means vaccinated people are less likely to experience severe illness from these germs and are less likely to spread infection to their friends and families. Highly vaccinated communities have a shield of protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a large number of students, both locally and nationally, fell behind on their routine immunizations. Unvaccinated students contribute to a weakening of our community’s shield of protection. A large number of unvaccinated students makes our community vulnerable to vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks. While Buncombe students enjoy their well-deserved summer breaks, the time has never been better for the whole family to get back on track with all recommended vaccinations.

Students are required to have certain immunizations at various points throughout their academic careers. Vaccinations are required for infants and toddlers before they enter childcare, before going to kindergarten, before 7th grade, before 12th grade, and before heading to college. Adults also need to get vaccinated at various points throughout their lives. To find out what immunizations or boosters you and your student need, click here. Make an appointment with your health care provider to get you and your family up to date on all your recommended immunizations.

Don’t have a health care provider? No problem! Students can receive all required vaccinations at the Buncombe County Health & Human Services Immunization Clinic. The clinic is located at 40 Coxe Avenue in downtown Asheville. Hours of operation are Monday –Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. To make an appointment, call (828) 250-5096. Additionally, walk-ins are welcome on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 8:00-11:30 AM and on Tuesday and Thursday between 1:00-4:30 PM.