Can I Still Get a COVID Vaccine? The Answer for Teens is “Yes”

A patient receiving a vaccine from their doctor. If you or a loved one would like to get a COVID vaccine, vaccines are readily available to get in a multitude of locations in Watauga County. (Photo Credits: Unsplash)

Jax Marsh, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn

Changing regulations from the Center for Disease Control and the United States government created confusion around the availability of COVID vaccines. Many news outlets originally cited that senior citizens must consult doctors before getting their COVID vaccines but failed to mention the vaccine’s availability for teenagers.

You may have heard that you can no longer get COVID shots as a teen in the United States, or you may have heard the exact opposite: that every teen can get COVID shots without restrictions. Either way, the water surrounding teens’ ability to get COVID vaccines is certainly muddy. Jennifer Greene, Public Health Director at Appalachian District Health Department, is here to help clear the water.

“Yes. COVID vaccines are available. You should ask your parent to contact your health provider to see if they are offering the vaccine,” Greene said. “AppHealthCare is offering COVID vaccines (and flu vaccines) for anyone 6 months and older who wishes to get them. Many local pharmacies and some health providers are also providing them, too.”

Senior citizens are required to consult their doctors before getting the COVID vaccine because of their weakened immune systems. This means senior citizens have a higher probability of contracting the virus. Teenagers, however, don’t have to consult their doctors. 

“It's always a good idea to talk to your health provider if you or your parents have any questions. AppHealthCare will provide the vaccine regardless of whether you have had a prior doctor visit or prescription,” Greene said. “We also offer a sliding fee discount so if an adult is interested and does not have health insurance, they can apply to have a reduced rate. Children can get a vaccine for free at AppHealthCare regardless of their insurance status.”

AppHealthCare is a district health department that serves Watauga, Alleghany, and Ashe Counties. AppHealthCare’s Watauga County department is located at 126 Poplar Grove Connector. Boone, NC 28607.

“Most pharmacies are providing COVID vaccines and some health providers are, too. It's best to contact your health provider to ask to see if yours is providing them. If you want to come see us [at AppHealthCare], we are happy to make a vaccine appointment for you,” Greene said. “Teens interested should have their parents bring them since they have to give approval for their child to get a vaccine. Our call center makes appointments easy. You can reach it at 828-795-1970.”

Nurse Klutz, Watauga High School’s primary nurse, informed us that the flu clinics that are offered at the schools for faculty and staff children do not include the COVID vaccine. Nurses will refer them to see their doctor instead. Although students can’t get their COVID vaccine at Watauga High School, students can get their vaccine at a variety of different locations. 

“AppHealthCare is offering vaccines through all of our locations, including our mobile health clinic that visits Deep Gap Fire Department each week and other locations in our surrounding counties,” Greene said.

COVID has been constantly in the news cycle since almost 6 years ago when the entire world went into quarantine. Despite COVID being on the forefront of everyone’s minds, it is important to remember that other diseases can still affect you and your loved ones.

“We also see many providers offering flu vaccines. It's important to know that the flu vaccine is important too,” Greene said. “It causes a lot of sickness, missed school, and can cause severe illness for people with other health problems or are very young or older.”