The Haywood County Health Department is offering flu vaccines on a walk-in basis, with no appointment necessary, to persons ages 19 and older.

The walk-in vaccines are available from 9 a.m. to Noon Monday-Thursday and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays through Nov. 30 at the Health Department, located at 2177 Asheville Highway. Persons who are ages 18 and younger, or who can’t come during walk-in hours, may schedule an appointment to get the vaccine by calling the Health Department at 828.452.6675.

The cost will be $28 for flu vaccine and $35 for flu mist. The Health Department will accept full payment in cash, check and from the following insurances: Medicare, Medicaid, Unicare, Humana, NC Health Choice, Today’s Option Pyramids, Medicare PPO insurances, Railroad Medicare, Aetna, BCBC of NC insurances, BCBS NC state Health Plan – if the policies covers vaccines. The Health Department will not be able to bill any other insurances including Tricare. Clients are asked to please bring their insurance cards with them. Pneumonia vaccines are not currently available.

This year’s seasonal flu vaccine, available in injectable and nasal spray formulas, includes protection against the H1N1 strain of the virus as well as two other anticipated flu strains, according to the N.C. Division of Public Health. For most people, that means only one flu immunization is necessary. However, children under 9 years of age who haven’t been vaccinated against the flu in the past will need two doses of flu vaccine.

Seasonal flu is most deadly for very young children and senior citizens. However, the 2009 H1N1 flu disproportionately affected middle-aged adults and young people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that more than 12,000 people died from H1N1 last year, including more than 10,000 who were under 65 years old.

For more information, call the Haywood County Health Department Flu Hot Line 24 hours a day at 828.356.1111 or the health department at 828.452.6675 and pressing Option 5.