The announcement serves as a somber reminder of the flu’s potential severity and comes as health officials emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated against flu, COVID-19, and RSV before respiratory viruses peak this winter.
Crucial Vaccine Recommendations for WNC Residents 💉
NCDHHS and local WNC health providers strongly urge all eligible residents to get their annual respiratory vaccines as soon as possible, ideally by the end of October.
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
Who Needs It: Everyone six months of age and older.
High-Risk Focus: Individuals 65 and older are preferentially recommended to receive a higher-potency vaccine (e.g., high-dose, adjuvanted). Getting vaccinated is crucial for high-risk groups like children under 5, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, asthma).
COVID-19 Vaccine (Updated 2025-2026 Formula)
Who Needs It: The CDC recommends that everyone six months of age and older receive the updated vaccine, based on shared clinical decision-making with a healthcare provider.
Access in North Carolina: To ensure easy access for those most at risk, the State Health Director issued Standing Orders allowing pharmacists to administer the updated COVID-19 vaccine without a prescription to:
Adults 65 years and older.
Adults 18-64 with at least one high-risk condition (e.g., obesity, asthma, diabetes, pregnancy).
Note: Flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be safely administered during the same visit.
RSV Vaccine/Treatment
Recommended for: Infants, pregnant women (to protect the infant), and older adults (typically 65 and older, or 50-74 with high-risk conditions).
What Other Preventative Measures Should I Take?
In addition to vaccination, residents can reduce the spread of all respiratory viruses by following these standard public health guidelines:
Stay Home When Sick: Isolate yourself immediately if you develop flu or cold-like symptoms. Do not go to work, school, or public gatherings.
Good Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Test and Treat Early: The NCDHHS has issued Standing Orders allowing retail pharmacists across the state to test and immediately treat patients for flu with antiviral medications, which work best when started soon after symptoms begin.
WNCTimes
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