News

County opens vaccines to all adults via on-line appointments

By Lightning Reports, Published: April 6, 2021

The Henderson County Department of Public Health has opened COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to everyone 16 and older this week alongside the launch of an online appointment scheduling system.

Beginning this week, individuals will be able to schedule their own vaccine appointment online through the Health Department. Dates and times will be posted by noon each Tuesday at www.hendersoncountync.gov/health. No more registering and waiting for a phone call.

Individuals will select a time, enter their basic information and be booked for their first dose appointment. Before scheduling, individuals must ensure they will be available for their second dose 28 days after their first appointment. Second dose appointments will be scheduled before leaving the first vaccine clinic.

Local vaccine providers plan to open vaccine eligibility to all groups this week. It is important to know only the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for ages 16 and older. Everyone 18 and older can receive any of the three vaccine brands currently available.

The Johnson and Johnson vaccine continues to be in extremely limited supply locally. All three brands are highly effective against hospitalization and death related to COVID-19. Individuals should get the first vaccine they have the opportunity for.

The COVID-19 vaccine is free to everyone regardless of insurance status. Personal identification is not required at the Health Department’s clinics.

The Health Department is conducting its vaccination clinics at the former JCPenney location at the Blue Ridge Mall, 1800 Four Seasons Boulevard. Appointments are required. Clinic dates and times are subject to change.

The Health Department closed its waitlist last week, reserving a portion of this week’s allotment for the remaining individuals left to be contacted. Moving forward, vaccine appointments through the Health Department will be primarily made online. Anyone who needs assistance can still contact the Call Center at 828-585-4700 during business hours to make an appointment by phone.