Vaccine Information
Flu, RSV and COVID-19 Vaccines
Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community from severe illness. They help prevent hospital stays and can save lives.
Some people are at higher risk, including:
- Children under 5
- Adults 65 and older
- Pregnant people
- People with certain health conditions, like asthma or diabetes
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. These conditions include (but aren’t limited to):
- Obesity
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Smoking (current or former)
- Pregnancy
- Depression
- Physical inactivity
- And many more
For a full list of high-risk conditions, please visit the CDC's website.
How do I get the 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 and RSV Vaccines
- Flu vaccine: Recommended for everyone 6 months and older
- RSV vaccine: Recommended for infants, pregnant people and older adults
These vaccines are available at pharmacies, health care provider offices, community health centers and local health departments.
Need help paying for vaccines?
If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you can get COVID-19 vaccines at no cost. There are many ways to find a place to get free vaccines near you:
- For children 18 or younger: Vaccines for Children
- Contact your local health department
- Find a federally qualified health center
- Reach out to a rural health center