2025-2026 Respiratory Virus Season
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone six months and older receive an annual flu and COVID vaccine, with rare exception.
Walk-in Flu, COVID, and RSV vaccines are available at the health department.
COVID-19 Vaccine Access Update in North Carolina
Governor Josh Stein directed NCDHHS to issue a new Standing Order that makes it easier for adults in NC to get their COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies. Now, adults 65 and older — and adults ages 18 to 64 with certain health conditions that put them at higher risk — can get vaccinated at a pharmacy without a prescription. The order itself stands in place of a prescription from a health care provider.
Who can get the COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy without a prescription?
- Adults 65 years and older
- Adults 18 to 64 years old with at least one high-risk health condition based on a discussion of risks and benefits. Patients will be asked to self-attest to their high risk health condition.
COVID-19 Vaccine Pharmacy Access Update in North Carolina
- Immunizing pharmacists can administer vaccines to anyone 7 and older based on a discussion of risks and benefits.
- Parents or caregivers of children under age 7 should contact their health care provider, a local provider to find out if they are offering the COVID-19 vaccine.
Most pharmacies already have the new 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines available, but some locations may not have them yet.
- Call your pharmacy ahead of time to check availability and make an appointment if needed.
- Bring your insurance card if you have one.
- You may be asked a few simple questions about your health to confirm eligibility.
Flu vaccines are walk-in at the Immunization Clinic located in the Health Department, 1235 Ramsey St., Fayetteville. Appointments are not required.
Upon arrival at the clinic, participants will need to complete a short registration form. If they have insurance, a copy of their insurance cards will be taken and the insurance company will be billed. Participants will not be charged for flu vaccines. Flu shots are free for everyone, regardless of insurance status.
Children 18 and younger can also receive a free flu vaccine through the Vaccines for Children program. Anyone accompanying a minor must show proof of custody.
Don't delay! You can receive your flu shot at the same time as your COVID-19 and RSV vaccines. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, visit our COVID-19 site.
RSV vaccines are now available at the Health Department for some infants and adults (age 60 and older). For more information, please visit our immunization clinic.
Differences Between COVID-19 and Flu
Information from the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) on differences between Flu and COVID-19
There are several key differences between the flu and COVID-19. COVID-19 appears to spread more easily than the flu. However, as more people become fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 should decrease. COVID-19 can cause more severe illnesses in certain individuals. It can also take longer for symptoms to appear and people can remain contagious for a longer period of time. The most effective way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure to the virus.
Because some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be difficult to distinguish between them based on symptoms alone. Testing may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis. While flu and COVID-19 have many similarities, there are also some important differences. To learn more about the distinctions between COVID-19 and the flu, visit the
CDC.