NCDHHS: Make a Plan to Get Vaccinated Against Flu, COVID-19

Raleigh -- Press Release North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services: 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.

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 US 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 falling 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 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.  

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is encouraging everyone 6 months of age and older to get the seasonal flu (influenza) vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness, hospitalization, and long-term health complications caused by viruses. Both vaccines have been updated to protect against new strains of flu and COVID-19, which will continue to circulate this fall and winter. 

Flu vaccines are now available, and different types of COVID-19 vaccines are also available this fall to protect against new strains of the virus during the 2024-2025 respiratory season. This includes Novovax’s protein-based COVID-19 vaccine, which has been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for people 12 years of age and older. This authorization follows recent authorizations of updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for people 6 months of age and older from Moderna and Pfizer. 

"It's important to make a plan now, as respiratory season begins, to protect yourself and your loved ones," said Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, State Health Director, and Chief Medical Officer for NCDHHS. "We encourage everyone to talk to their health care provider about all recommended vaccines. Get vaccinated to avoid missing work and to be able to enjoy fall activities, sports, and gatherings with friends and loved ones. Getting vaccinated also provides greater protection against long-term health complications from severe illness." 

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also spreads in the fall and winter and can cause severe illness in older adults, young children, and people with underlying medical conditions. Nearly one-third of North Carolinians are at risk for RSV. People should talk to their health-care provider to determine if they or their children also need protection from RSV. 

“Seasonal and routine flu and COVID-19 vaccines ensure that individuals and families are protected every year,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore. “These vaccines are safe, effective and make a big difference, especially for people who are at higher risk for complications – adults 65 and older, children under 5, pregnant people or those living with certain medical conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart disease.” 

Providers and pharmacies are encouraged to order influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines to ensure availability for their patients and community. 

Children who have health coverage through Medicaid or who are uninsured or underinsured can get vaccinated at no cost through the  Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. Most health insurance plans, including Medicaid, will cover the cost of flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines for eligible children and 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 and underinsured adults. Individuals can: 

Text your 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  
Contact a Rural Health Center
Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines can be administered at the same time, usually without an appointment, to make the vaccination process easier. 

Getting early treatment with an antiviral medication can also help prevent flu and COVID-19 infections from getting worse. Antiviral treatment is most effective if started soon after symptoms appear. 

Other steps you can take to protect yourself from the spread of flu, COVID-19, and other viruses include:

Stay home if you are sick, until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours
Wash your hands frequently, preferably with soap and water.
Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing with a tissue and throw it away immediately.
Visit Vacunate.nc.gov or Vacunas.gov for guidance, information, and resources on flu, COVI