BUNCOMBE COUNTY, NC – October 15, 2024 – The Buncombe County Health and Human Services staff have recommended that certain fees for the Public Health Division should be waived to help people and businesses affected by Tropical Storm Helene. The Buncombe County Health and Human Services Board has waived fees for:
-Vaccinations for flu, COVID, Tdap for tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough, and hepatitis A for adults. Respiratory illnesses like the flu, COVID and whooping cough can be spread by person-to-person contact indoors especially in crowded conditions. Cuts and open wounds can become infected with tetanus by being exposed to contaminated water. Hepatitis A can be transmitted by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Vaccination is very effective in reducing the risk of getting severely ill from these diseases.
-Environmental health fees for Food Service Plan reviews for existing facilities greater than 500 square feet, renovations, and additions for facilities less than 500 square feet.
-All well permit fees, all self-collect water samples, and well water samples for a variety of toxic chemicals including pesticides, herbicides, petroleum, volatile organic compounds, nitrate and nitrites.
Fees will be waived from September 27 through December 31.
Vaccinations for residents can be obtained at the Immunization Clinic in the Buncombe County Health & Human Services Building on 40 Coxe Avenue, Asheville. Call 828-250-5096 for an appointment.
Residents who wish to test their well can pick up a test kit from the Buncombe County Permits Department at 30 Valley. Wells must be disinfected prior to testing.
Listen to the full report below:
Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]
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