NCDHHS Secretary to get flu and COVID-19 booster shots

The head of North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services has announced his own plans to get both an annual flu shot and an updated COVID-19 booster on Thursday. Secretary Kody Kinsley says he hopes doing so publicly will inspire others to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations.

Kinsley will be getting his shots at a pharmacy in Durham. 

According to an NCDHHS news release, the state is seeing increased influenza levels this year.  There have already been five flu deaths in adults reported this season, along with the first pediatric flu death in almost three years.  

This comes on the brink of winter’s colder months, when people spend more time indoors with friends and family, increasing the potential for infection.

Flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone over the age of six months. Updated COVID-19 booster shots are available to people five and older.

North Carolina is hoping to better keep track of COVID-19 this season as it unveils new Respiratory Virus Surveillance dashboards, which are being updated with design enhancements to make for an improved user experience.