As flu season approaches, resources around the county are mobilizing to keep residents healthy during the season. Beaufort County Community College held a flu shot clinic on Monday, Oct. 1 primarily for BCCC employees and their families from noon to 4 p.m. in the Building 10 multi-purpose room.

The Beaufort County Health Department will also host a clinic from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 3, also in Building 10. If residents are unable to attend these clinics, they may also receive a flu shot from a doctor’s office, the Beaufort County Health Department or from an in-network immunizing pharmacist. Residents should bring their insurance card and photo identification to get immunized at no cost.

No appointments were necessary for the Oct. 1 clinic, and there was no out-of-pocket charge for BCCC employees or family members on the State Health Plan and for those with Medicare Part B coverage. Residents with Blue Cross Blue Shield NC through the Affordable Care Act may be also qualify for a free flu shot. Employees not on State Health Plan or BCBSNC can pay $30 to get immunized.

Students and the public may qualify for free immunizations, but should review their own insurance to see if this is the case. Children under age four must receive shots from their primary care physician. Children between the ages of four and seventeen will require parental/guardian consent for immunizations. Everyone will be required to sign a consent form prior to receiving the vaccine.

For the Oct. 3 clinic, the Beaufort County Health Department will file reimbursement claims for those covered by Medicare Part B, Railroad Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, N.C. Medicaid, N.C. Health Choice and Medcost. For all others, payment is expected at the time of service. During this clinic, regular flu shots are $35, and high dose shots are $65.

Payments must be by cash or check (check preferred), and credit cards will not be accepted. Participants should have proof of insurance and a photo identification card to receive immunizations for free. Residents can visit the BCBSNC website at www.bcbsnc.com/flu for more information.