Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine Administration began Monday, October 2nd at the Health Department. Specific brands of vaccines may be availability in limited quantity until all vaccine shipments have arrived. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available on a walk-in basis only. Vaccines are available at no cost, regardless of insurance status. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccines to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 and flu illness this fall and winter. Visit the CDC website for more information about COVID-19 and flu vaccine recommendations. RSV Vaccines Vaccines to protect infants from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) will begin on Monday, November 20th while supplies are available. Due to a nationwide shortage of the RSV vaccine, based on CDC guidance we are prioritizing RSV doses for infants at the highest risk for severe RSV disease: young infants (age <6 months) and infants with underlying conditions that place them at highest risk for severe RSV disease. For more information about the RSV vaccine for infants, visit the CDC website. Update: RSV Vaccines for adults 60+ are now available, effective November 29, 2023. Public Health Alert The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) is issuing a public health alert following five stillbirths or neonatal deaths in North Carolina babies with congenital syphilis born between Jan. 1, 2023, and Sept. 1, 2023. There is a continued statewide rise in syphilis cases among women, a 547% increase since 2012. Learn more here. Healthcare providers have an important role in preventing syphilis. Providers should complete a sexual health history for all patients. All pregnant women should be testing for syphilis at the first prenatal visit, between 28-30 weeks gestation, AND at delivery (this is required by NC state law). Visit the NCDHHS website for more resources for providers. |