COVID-19 Vaccine Information
COVID-19 vaccines are available to everyone 6 months and older.
Get it even if you've had one in past years.
It's updated for 2025-2026, just like the flu shot.
You don't need a prescription.
Most health insurance plans pay for them.
Need help paying?
COVID-19 Vaccines: What You Need to Know
Who Should Get Them
Doctors and nurses recommend COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older, including those who are pregnant.
Even if you've had a COVID-19 vaccine in past years, this version gives you updated protection.
When you get your COVID-19 vaccine, a health care provider like a pharmacist or nurse will talk with you about the benefits and any risks. You can ask them questions.
Why You Should Get Them
COVID-19 vaccines are the best defense against serious illness, hospitalization and death. They are especially important for those at high risk, including:
- Young children and older adults
- Pregnant women
- Children and adults with health risks that could make them very sick from COVID-19
- Those who have never had a COVID-19 vaccine
These recommendations are supported by the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Where To Get Them
You do not need a prescription to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
- Adults and children 7 years and older: get your vaccine at a pharmacy or health care provider. Find a pharmacy near you.
- Children younger than 7 years: contact the child's health care provider, or your local health department or federally qualified health center 
Paying for the COVID-19 Vaccine
NC Medicaid and most private insurance plans cover the vaccine at little or no cost. Check with your pharmacy and insurance provider. Bring your insurance card if you have one.
If you’re uninsured or underinsured, look for free or lower-cost vaccines near you:
- Vaccines for Children (for children 18 or younger)
- Contact your local health department
- Find a federally qualified health center
Side Effects
COVID-19 vaccines, like all immunizations, can cause side effects. Most of them are mild and temporary.
If side effects happen from the COVID-19 vaccine, they most often include soreness or redness where the vaccine is given, tiredness, headache, muscle aches, fever or swelling of lymph nodes under the arm.
The side effects usually happen one or two days after vaccination, and last for a day or two. Side effects in children are similar to those in adults.
Have Questions About Vaccines?
The COVID-19 vaccines, including this year's version, are thoroughly tested and serious side effects are extremely rare.
If you have questions, get real answers. Start a conversation with your doctor today.
Trustworthy Resources For More Information
Resources From NCDHHS
- Track the Spread of COVID-19 in North Carolina
- Materials for Understanding and Explaining COVID-19
- Immunization Information for NC Providers
Elsewhere on the Web
- COVID-19: The Disease and Vaccines (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia)
- 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)
- Staying Up to Date With COVID-19 Vaccines (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)