State officials urge flu shots before peak winter season

North Carolina health experts are urging residents to get a flu shot in anticipation of a winter spike in cases. 

Officials with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services say they’ve seen a decrease in flu vaccinations compared to previous years. They’re urging flu shots before the end of October for all residents six months and older.

According to a department news release, flu season typically peaks during the winter months, and protection is considered especially important for high-risk individuals including people over 65, children younger than five, pregnant women, and those with underlying medical conditions.

State Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Tilson says the flu vaccine is important not only to combat the virus but to protect your overall immune system as COVID-19 still poses a threat. To that end, Tilson is promoting the notion of “layering up,” meaning getting an updated COVID-19 booster shot when you go in for your flu vaccination. Tilson stresses that the free updated boosters target the original coronavirus strain as well as the now-dominant omicron strains. 

An online vaccine resource guide is available to help find a provider in your location.