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The Polk County Vaccine Coalition has recently received its shipment of the COVID-19 Bivalent Omicron Vaccine Booster. This version of the vaccine is specifically designed to target the original strain of SARs-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19 disease) and the more recent variants of the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 strains of the virus.

 

“The vaccine coalition is excited to be able to provide the most up-to-date options to help our community to stay healthy and move forward as we bounce back from the pandemic. The data from NC DHHS on hospitalizations clearly indicates that those who either have not received their initial series of COVID-19 vaccination and/or have not stayed up to date with boosters are more likely to be hospitalized.  We are very fortunate to have several options in Polk County where community members can easily access this life-saving option.” says Joshua Kennedy, Director of Polk County Health and Human Services Agency

 

The two initial locations in Polk County include Blue Ridge Health Services-Polk County Office (BRH) and Foothills Pharmacy. BRH will be providing Moderna Bivalent option and Foothills will be providing both Pfizer and Moderna. Moderna is available for those 18 years of age and older and Pfizer is available for those who are 12 years of age and older.  Appointment options are listed below:

 

Blue Ridge Health Services – By Appointment

161 Walker St., Columbus, NC

828-894-2222

 

Foothills Pharmacy 

Walk-in Welcome on Mon-Wed-Fri from 10a-1p and 2p-5p

80 Shuford Rd, Columbus, NC 28722

828-894-6112

 

In addition to the COVID-19 Bivalent Booster both locations also provide COVID-19 Vaccine for anyone 3 years of age and older, and BRH can vaccinate those 6 months of age older.  Both locations are also providing the Novavax Vaccine for COVID-19.

 

Submitted by Joshua Kennedy