Information about COVID-19 Vaccination Availability at Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge

What you need to know: 

• North Carolina Currently Eligible: 

• Anyone ages 12+ who wants a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccination!

• Adults ages 18+ can receive any of the three FDA approved vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson). People ages 12 - 17 can only receive the Pfizer vaccine.

• It is recommended that you talk to your doctor before getting the vaccine if you have a weakened immune system due to conditions like cancer, a medication you’re taking, or if you’re pregnant.

• More info: Find your spot to take your shot | NC DHHS COVID--19

• There is no out of pocket cost for the vaccine for anyone. 

• There are three different types of vaccines. All vaccines offered are safe, effective and FDA- EUA approved:

• Moderna: series of two shots given 4 weeks apart.

• Pfizer: series of two shots given 3 weeks apart.

• Johnson & Johnson: one shot only needed.

• Due to supply, unless under 18 years old, we cannot guarantee which vaccine you will receive at your appointment. Currently, BRMG is administering Pfizer and Moderna vaccines at their locations.

• Vaccination Events:  

• During the first part of our vaccine efforts, we had Mass Vaccination Clinics at Freedom High School. As of April 17^th, we will no longer be offering first dose clinics at Freedom High but will be transitioning to offering vaccines in our Medical Group.

• We are now offering First and Second doses at Blue Ridge Medical Group Primary Care Practices and Urgent/Express Cares. If you received first dose Moderna at FHS, you may reach out to the Burke County Health Department to schedule your second dose.

• BRMG Vaccine Locations:

• You may receive your vaccine at the time of another appointment, or you may call to make an appointment for your vaccine.

• Blue Ridge Urgent Care and WELLWORx- 828-580-3278

• Cajah Mountain Medical & Express Care- 828-782-8224

• Drexel Medical Practice- 828-580-4080

• Family Medical Associates- 828-580-4010

• Lenoir Family Medicine & Express Care- 828-580-4660

• McDowell Family Practice- Coming Soon

• McDowell Medical Associates & Express Care- Marion - 828-652-8727

• McDowell Medical Associates- Nebo- 828-659-9703

• Table Rock Family Medicine- 828-580-1400

• Valdese Medical Associates & Express Care- 828-874-4600

• Blue Ridge Cardiology and Internal Medicine Marion- 828-580-1364

• Blue Ridge Geriatrics- 828-580-5706

• Women’s Health Group- 828-580-4661

• Mountain Valley Health Center 828-580-2700

• All Family Medicine Offices are offering Vaccines throughout the week by appointment only.

• Walk ins welcome at Urgent & Express Cares; Monday-Saturday 8am-8pm or Sunday 2pm-8pm

• How to schedule a vaccine appointment:  

• First dose appointments can be scheduled by calling one of the vaccine locations.

• Your second dose appointment will be scheduled at the time of your first dose administration.

• If you received your first dose at Freedom High School,

• Moderna First Dose; call the Burke County Health Department 828-764-9150

• Pfizer First Dose; call your Primary Care Office or walk-in at any of our Urgent Care/Express Care locations.

• If a patient HAS received the vaccine and is concerned about adverse reactions to the vaccine 

• Common side effects: Redness, swelling, and pain at the shot site are common and usually go away within 48 hours.  

• Less common side effects: Some people who receive the vaccine may experience chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, diarrhea, tiredness, or a low-grade fever.

• If you have these or other side effects after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, please call your PCP and ask to speak to a provider or nurse. 

• Getting the COVID Vaccine after other vaccines, treatment or having COVID:

• The COVID-19 vaccine series should be administered alone with a minimum interval of 14 days before or after other vaccines. Patients who have received another vaccine should wait 14 days before getting the COVID vaccine.

• COVID-19 vaccine can be given to person who received monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma for treatment of COVID-19 but should wait at least 90 days after they received treatment.

• Patients who have had COVID-19 may receive the vaccine once they are out of quarantine and are symptom free (i.e., cough, fever).

• What happens after I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

• Wait 15 minutes before leaving. For your safety, we ask that you wait 15 minutes after getting the vaccine before you leave.

• Make sure to get both doses. The first shot gets your immune system ready. It helps your body recognize the virus and fight it if you’re exposed.

• Hang on to your vaccination card. This is proof you got the COVID-19 vaccine. It shows what type of COVID-19 vaccine you got and when you got it. You can also take a photo of this card, so you always have a copy on hand.

• How is the vaccine given?

• The COVID-19 vaccine is given in a series of 2 shots of the same vaccine, given a few weeks apart. As with all appointments at Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge, these vaccines will be given in COVID-Safe places. We'll ensure physical distancing and have proper personal protective equipment (PPE) on patients and staff. Parking is handicap accessible.