Transylvania county resources: https://transylvaniahealth.org/covid-19/
COVID-19 TESTING
Testing is recommended for anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 and for anyone who has been a close contact to someone with COVID-19 5 days after their last exposure. Testing for COVID-19 may be limited at some facilities, as demand is very high. Testing is usually available in Transylvania County at private healthcare providers, CVS, Mercy Urgent Care, Pardee Urgent Care, and Walgreens. Testing locations in nearby counties can be found at: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/about-covid-19/testing. (Please note that Transylvania Public Health does NOT offer COVID-19 testing for the general public.)
Free at-home COVID-19 test kits are now available by mail. Each residential household is eligible a set of 4 test kits to be delivered by the US Postal Service. Orders can be placed online at https://www.covid.gov/tests.
At-home test kits are also available for purchase at local stores and by request at https://www.pixel.labcorp.com/nc. Starting January 15, health insurance providers will pay for or reimburse the cost of test kits purchased in stores or online. For more information about insurance reimbursement, visit https://www.cms.gov/how-to-get-your-at-home-OTC-COVID-19-test-for-free.
What about Masks?
The mask mandate has been revoked for all people who are fully vaccinated, but the CDC recommends masking for everyone in indoor situations or crowded outdoor gatherings and still recommends social distancing.
Masks must be worn by all students, staff and visitors in the Transylvania County schools.
Masks must be worn on all public transportation, including buses, planes and trains.
Vaccine Options
COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are available under FDA emergency use authorization for everyone ages 18 or older. The COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech has received full FDA approval for individuals ages 16 or older and is available under emergency use authorization for ages 5 to 15 years. Additional and booster doses have been recommended for specific populations, but all 3 COVID-19 vaccines approved and authorized in the U.S. continue to be effective at reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. For more information, visit https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines/covid-19-vaccine-additional-doses-and-boosters or talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
The CDC has expanded eligibility for booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines to include recommendations for people who initially received any of the three available COVID-19 vaccines. Transylvania Public Health is currently awaiting guidance from NCDHHS and our medical director, but plans to begin offering booster doses of Moderna and Johnson & Johnson soon. However, our first priority remains ensuring that unvaccinated people receive an initial vaccine.
Additional doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are available for people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised who were fully vaccinated with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least 28 days ago. An additional dose provides extra protection for those who may not have had a strong enough immune response after the first 2 doses. A full list of qualifying conditions can be found on the CDC’s website. People should talk to their healthcare provider about their medical conditions and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them, but may self-attest to their medical condition. The additional dose must be the same vaccine type (Pfizer or Moderna) that they previously received.
Booster doses are available for individuals in high-risk groups who have been fully vaccinated with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines for at least 6 months. High-risk groups include people ages 65 years and older, people ages 18 years or older who live in long-term care settings, people ages 18 years or older who have underlying medical conditions, and people ages 18 or older who work or live in settings where they are more likely to get and spread COVID-19 (including first responders, healthcare workers, teachers, and other frontline essential workers). Booster doses are also available for individuals who have been vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for at least 2 months. A booster dose provides extended protection for people whose immune responses may have weakened over time. Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose; some people may prefer to receive the same vaccine type that they originally received and others may prefer to get a booster from a different manufacturer.
Vaccines are also available at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Ingles, Gordon Pharmacy and at Blue Ridge Public Health.
To find a vaccine location near you you, go to vaccines.gov and enter your zip code or text your ZIP code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233 to find vaccine locations near you in the United States.
Booster Options
These are actually a third shot of the same vaccine you received at least six months ago. Pfizer boosters are now available to all people over 18 who are immunocompromised and to anyone over 65 as well as people of other ages who are at high risk. Moderna boosters are also available at some retailers although they technically haven’t been approved yet.
If you are moderately or severely immunocompromised, CDC recommends an additional dose.
All COVID vaccines are free of charge, although if you are insured, your insurance information will be requested.
Where to get it
Transylvania Public Health offers free in-office COVID-19 vaccinations Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 11:15 am and 1:00 pm to 4:15 pm. No appointment is needed.
UPDATE 11/3/21: Transylvania Public Health will be offering free Pfizer vaccines for children ages 5-11 on Friday, November 12 at Transylvania County Library. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 828-884-3135 or using the link below:
The health department is currently offering single doses of Johnson & Johnson for ages 18 and older, first and second doses of Pfizer for ages 12 and older, first and second doses of Moderna for ages 18 and older, additional doses of Pfizer and Moderna for immunocompromised individuals, and booster doses of Pfizer for individuals in high-risk groups. Please call 884-4007 for more information. Our clinic is located on the 3rd floor of the Community Services Building at 106 E. Morgan St. in downtown Brevard. For second or additional doses, please bring the vaccination card given when you received your first dose; if you do not have a card, we can verify your vaccination status using the state database as long as you received your first dose in North Carolina.
For second or additional doses, please bring the vaccination card given when you received your first dose; if you do not have a card, we can verify your vaccination status using the state database as long as you received your first dose in North Carolina.
Transylvania Public Health is also able to provide on-site vaccinations by request for groups at worksites, churches, community centers, and neighborhoods. To request a vaccination event, click here or call 884-4007.
Transylvania Public Health COVID-19 Update
Page updated 12/14/2021