The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has shared several important updates for the upcoming fall respiratory vaccine season. The NC Board of Pharmacy has advised that pharmacists may continue administering routine influenza and COVID-19 vaccines under last year’s ACIP recommendations, which remain in effect.
The Department is also assessing the potential implications of the Aug. 10 Executive Order, which seeks to revise federal childhood vaccine recommendations by narrowing the vaccines routinely recommended for all children and shifting others, including influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, to shared clinical decision-making.
NCDHHS has not yet received formal federal guidance on how the order may affect North Carolina. In the meantime, the Vaccines for Children program is expected to operate as usual, NC Medicaid will cover indicated vaccines for beneficiaries, and pharmacists may administer the newly licensed mRNA influenza vaccine to adults 50 and older.
Additional guidance, seasonal updates and resources for health care professionals are available on NCDHHS’ Seasonal Respiratory Illnesses website.