Buncombe County launched a campaign this summer to commemorate the importance of vaccination both in children and adults, and calls on the population to take advantage of these summer months to update their vaccination schedule.
“With children on summer vacation, this is a good time for parents to get ahead of the back-to-school rush and make sure their children have the required vaccinations before the first day of school,” said Johanna Cano, a county spokeswoman. Enlace Latino NC .
The vaccines are administered at the county clinic, which provides multilingual services, offers free interpreters, and does not ask for or inquire about immigration status. Once classes begin, there will be 30 days to submit the proof of vaccinationWithout that document, the child cannot begin classes.
What do the vaccination figures say in Buncombe?
In the 2025-26 school year, 89.6% of kindergarten children in Buncombe County were up to date with their vaccinationsThe figure is below the statewide average of 92.6% and has barely changed in years: it was 89.2% in the previous cycle and 89.7% two years ago.
With the measles Something similar is happening. The county's coverage is 92%, a medium level according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. The high level starts at 95%.
Furthermore, Buncombe had several cases of measles confirmed earlier this year, and the outbreak in South Carolina This raised concerns in nearby areas. In this regard, the county continues to recommend two doses of the MMR vaccine.
Related: What vaccines should your children receive?
What are the concerns about the vaccination rate?
According to reports, the campaign is not focused on a single vaccine. The goal is for children, adolescents, and adults to stay up-to-date with the recommended vaccination schedule, because several preventable diseases can spread rapidly when vaccination coverage declines.
Among the concerns mentioned by the county are measles, pertussis, chickenpox, and influenceIn schools, where students spend many hours together, these diseases can have more opportunities to spread if there are groups without sufficient protection.
They are also closely monitoring exemption rates at some schools in the district. When several families request not to vaccinate for medical or religious reasons, collective protection is weakened, and the risk increases for those who cannot be vaccinated or are more likely to become seriously ill, such as infants, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
Another barrier is misinformation about vaccine safety. According to Cano, many of the concerns they hear come from social media, where false claims circulate. In response, “we disseminate reliable and accurate information from our medical director and our nurses, many of whom are parents and understand other parents’ concerns,” she said.
The county recommends that parents and caregivers ask questions before deciding against vaccination. The idea, Cano explained, is to answer concerns with medical information and maintain an open dialogue with families.
What does the law require to go to school
North Carolina law requires that students have the vaccines required to attend schoolunless they have a written medical or religious exemption. The requirements apply to students in public, private, and religious schools, as well as those who are homeschooled.
The main checks are carried out upon entering kindergarten, seventh grade and twelfth grade, when specific vaccines are requested according to age and school grade.
Families must provide the school with an up-to-date vaccination certificate or record. The state recommends that students speak with their doctor or local health department if they are missing any doses.
Generally, schools allow 30 calendar days, starting from the beginning of classes or enrollment, to submit the required documentation. If, after this period, the student does not have the complete record, a valid exemption, or proof that they have begun the vaccination process, they may be temporarily excluded from school until they meet the requirement.
How much does it cost to get vaccinated?
The cost depends on the vaccine and each family's health insurance, but many children can receive the vaccines required for school at no cost through the Vaccines for Children program (Vaccines for Children).
In North Carolina, this program covers all vaccines recommended by the CDC, including those required for school and childcare.
Children and teenagers under the age of 19 who have Medicaid, are uninsured, have insurance that does not cover all vaccines, or belong to American Indian or Alaska Native families qualify.
Getting vaccinated: useful information
Buncombe County Vaccination Clinic
Address: 40 Coxe Avenue, Asheville
Phone: 828-250-5096
No date: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 to 11:30 am; Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 to 4:30 pm
What to bring: Child's vaccination records, including those from other countries if available, and insurance card, Medicaid or Medicare if applicable.
For those who live far from Asheville, the state maintains an online search engine for VFC program providers. It is recommended to look for the location closest to your home and call ahead, because some locations may have a full schedule or not accept new patients from the program.
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