Flu, COVID-19 and RSV Vaccines
Defend yourself.
Get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are a safe way to protect you and your family from respiratory illnesses.
They're updated for 2025-2026. You don't need a prescription.
Infants, pregnant women and older adults should also get an RSV immunization.
About Flu, COVID-19 and RSV Vaccines
Flu Vaccines
Who they're for: Everyone six months and older, including those who are pregnant.
How well they work: They reduce the risk of going to the doctor by 40-60%. They make you feel less sick if you do get the flu. They are especially helpful for children and for people with diabetes, lung disease, heart disease or other conditions. More benefits.
When to get them: Every year, any time during flu season (fall and winter). October is ideal, but any time in the season still provides valuable protection.
Where to get them: Find a location near you. No prescription is needed.
Details, side effects, more: The Flu Shot
COVID-19 Vaccines
Who they're for: Everyone six months and older, including those who are pregnant.
How well they work: They provide 30-60% additional protection against illness and hospitalization.
When to get them: Now. The updated 2025-2026 vaccine is recommended even if you have had them in past years. But, if you were sick with COVID-19 recently, you can get it now or wait three months after your illness.
Where to get them: Adults and children 7 years and older: find a pharmacy near you. No prescription is needed. For children younger than 7 years, contact the child's health care provider or your local health department or federally qualified health center.
Details, side effects, more: The COVID-19 Vaccine
RSV Immunizations
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a common virus that affects the lungs. It can be very dangerous for infants and for older adults and there are immunizations for both.
RSV Immunizations For Infants
Who they're for: all infants younger than 8 months, children 8-19 months with risk factors and during pregnancy at 32-36 weeks (for those who have not yet had it).
How well they work: They're 70-90% effective at preventing babies from being hospitalized with RSV. (RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants.)
When to get them: Infants should get the immunization as early as possible between October and March. Pregnant women should get it between September and January, if they are at 32-36 weeks and have not received the vaccine during a previous pregnancy.
Where to get them: Talk with your doctor, pediatrician or other health care provider.
Details, side effects, more: The RSV Immunization
RSV Immunizations For Older Adults (Age 50+)
Who they're for: Everyone 75 and older, and adults age 50-74 with certain risk factors. Those risk factors include heart or lung disease, a weakened immune system, severe obesity, severe diabetes and other conditions.
How well do they work: They're 72-85% effective at preventing older adults from being hospitalized with RSV.
When to get them: Now. The protection is long-lasting.
Where to get them: Find a pharmacy near you. No prescription is needed.
Details, side effects, more: RSV Guidance for Adults (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Need Help Paying For Vaccines?
NC Medicaid and most private insurance plans cover the flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines at little or no cost.
If you’re uninsured or underinsured, get free or lower-cost vaccines near you:
- Vaccines for Children (children 18 years or younger)
- Contact your local health department
- Find a federally qualified health center
Materials for Understanding Flu, COVID-19 and RSV
Download free fact sheets, flyers, graphics and more to share with your community or your practice.
If You Are Feeling Sick Right Now
Ask your doctor about medicines that can help you get better faster.
Protect yourself and others by:
- Staying home when you’re sick and avoiding close contact with others.
- Washing your hands often with soap and water, or using hand sanitizer if soap isn’t available.
- Covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue, not your hands.
- Give people space and wear a mask if you’re not feeling well.
- When you're feeling better, get vaccinated to extend your protection.
Trustworthy Resources for More Information
Resources from NCDHHS
- Track the Spread of Flu, COVID-19 and RSV in North Carolina
- NC Seasonal Respiratory Illnesses
- Materials for Understanding and Explaining Flu, COVID-19 and RSV
- Seasonal Respiratory Illness Information for Health Departments and Providers
- Immunization Information for NC Providers
Elsewhere on the Web
- 2025 Fall Vaccine Guide (Your Local Epidemiologist)
- Fall 2025-26 Immunization Recommendations (American Academy of Family Physicians)
- For Parents and Children: Articles on COVID-19, influenza, and RSV (American Academy of Pediatrics)
- Vaccines During Pregnancy (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)