The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is encouraging everyone 6-months and older to get their seasonal flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness, hospitalization and long-term health complications from viruses. Both vaccines have been updated for the new flu and COVID-19 virus strains that will continue to spread this fall and winter.
Flu shots are now available; and different types of COVID-19 vaccines are available this fall to protect against the new strains of the virus during the 2024-2025 respiratory season, including the Novavax protein-based COVID-19 vaccine, which was authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for individuals 12 and older. This authorization follows recent authorizations of updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for individuals 6-months and older produced by Moderna and Pfizer.
“It’s important to make a plan now, at the start of the respiratory season, to protect yourself and your loved ones,” said Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, State Health Director and NCDHHS Chief Medical Officer. “We encourage everyone to talk with a health care provider about all recommended vaccines. Get vaccinated to avoid missing work and enjoy fall activities, sports and gatherings with friends and family. Getting vaccinated also provides increased protection against long term health implications of getting really sick.”
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also spreads in the fall and winter and can lead to severe illness in older adults, young children and those with underlying medical conditions. Nearly a third of North Carolinians are at risk for RSV. People should talk to their doctors about whether RSV protection may also be needed for them or their child.
“Routine, seasonal vaccines for flu and COVID-19 ensure individuals and families are protected each year,” said Dr. Zack Moore, State Epidemiologist. “These vaccines are safe, effective and make a big difference, especially for those at a higher risk of complications — adults 65 and older, children under 5, people who are pregnant or those living with certain medical conditions like asthma, diabetes and heart disease.”
Providers and pharmacies are encouraged to order flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines to ensure they are available for their patients and community.
Children who are insured by Medicaid or are uninsured or underinsured can get vaccines at no cost through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. Most health insurance plans, including Medicaid, will cover flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines for children and eligible adults. Free COVID-19 vaccines will also be available for those who need them at local health departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and rural health centers. Resources are available to help provide free vaccines to uninsured or underinsured adults. Individuals can:
- Text their zip code to 438829 or visit Vaccines.gov
- Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489)
- Contact a local health department: ncdhhs.gov/LHD
- Find a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC): findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
- Reach out to a Rural Health Center
Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines can be given at the same time, usually without an appointment, to help people get vaccinated quickly and easily.
Early treatment with an antiviral drug can also help prevent flu and COVID-19 infections from becoming more serious. Antiviral treatment works best if started soon after symptoms begin.
Other precautions you can take to protect against the spread of flu, COVID-19 and other viruses include:
- Staying home when you are sick, until you have been fever free for at least 24 hours
- Washing your hands frequently, preferably with soap and water
- Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discarding the tissue promptly
Visit MySpot.nc.gov or Vaccines.gov for guidance, information and resources about flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines.