The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Thursday, Oct. 3, from 6 to 7 p.m., to discuss how seasonal vaccines, including flu, COVID-19 and RSV, help protect communities against severe illness, hospitalization and long-term health complications. The event will be moderated by Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, M.D., NCDHHS’ State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer.
The 2024-2025 respiratory virus season is here and everyone ages 6 months and up is due for their flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine. Seasonal vaccines are the best to way to prevent people from experiencing severe cases of flu and COVID-19, especially for those who are at a higher risk of complications from the viruses. This includes people who are under 5, 65 and older, pregnant and/or living with chronic medical conditions. Last year, 95% of people in the United States hospitalized due to COVID-19 had not had the most recent COVID vaccine , and people who skipped their flu shot were twice as likely to need medical help for the flu.
Fireside chat and tele-town hall panelists will discuss the following:
- How to get your seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines
- What to know about RSV protection, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines
- Ways to find a health provider near you and access care
- Steps to protect yourself and your household against seasonal illness
- How to access free vaccines for children
During the 2023-2024 respiratory season, North Carolina experienced its highest number of pediatric flu deaths (16) since public health reporting began in 2004, with 81% of the flu deaths occurring in children who did not get a flu shot last year.
In addition to flu and COVID-19 vaccines, RSV vaccines are also now available for older adults and those who are pregnant. Some babies and children under two may also need to receive an immunization to help build protection against RSV. It’s important for individuals of all ages to be up to date on all recommended vaccines before enjoying seasonal activities, sporting events or celebrations with loved ones.
Everyone should test for COVID-19 right away if they feel sick or have symptoms to help prevent the virus from spreading to others around them. Free, at-home COVID-19 tests are available at more than 300 local organizations statewide. To find free tests near you visit MySpot.nc.gov/tests.
The fireside chat will stream live from the NCDHHS Facebook and YouTube accounts, where viewers can submit questions. The event also includes a tele-town hall, which invites people by phone to listen in and submit questions. People can dial into the event by calling 855-756-7520 Ext. 111990#.
Visit MySpot.nc.gov for information, guidance and resources on seasonal vaccines and how they support respiratory health.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) will host a “Fireside Chat,” a live virtual and telephone conversation on Thursday, October 3, from 6-7 p.m., to discuss how seasonal vaccines, including those for flu (influenza), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), help protect communities from serious illness, hospitalization, and long-term health complications. The event will be moderated by Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer for NCDHHS.
The 2024-2025 respiratory virus season has begun, and all people in 6 months and older should be vaccinated against flu and COVID-19. Seasonal vaccines are the best way to prevent severe cases of flu and COVID-19, especially for those at higher risk of complications from the viruses. This includes people younger than 5, people older than 65, pregnant people, and people with chronic medical conditions. Last year, 95% of people hospitalized in the United States due to COVID-19 had not received the latest COVID-19 vaccine, and people who did not get a flu vaccine were twice as likely to need medical care for the flu.
Panelists at the virtual and phone event will discuss the following topics:
• How to get the seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines
• What you need to know about RSV protection, including vaccines
• Ways to find a nearby health provider and access medical care
• Steps to protect yourself and your family from seasonal illnesses
• How to access free vaccines for children
During the 2023-2024 respiratory virus season, North Carolina experienced the highest number of pediatric influenza deaths (16) since public reporting began in 2004, with 81% of deaths occurring in children who did not receive the flu vaccine last year.
In addition to flu and COVID-19 vaccines, RSV vaccines are also now available for older adults and pregnant people. Some infants and children younger than two years of age may also need to receive an immunization to help develop protection against RSV. It is important for people of all ages to be up to date on all recommended vaccines before enjoying seasonal activities, sporting events, or celebrations with loved ones.
Everyone should get tested for COVID-19 right away if they feel sick or have symptoms, to help prevent spreading the virus to others. Free at-home COVID-19 tests are available at more than 300 local organizations across the state. To find free testing near you, visit Vacunate.nc.gov/pruebas.
The virtual event will be broadcast live from the accounts of Facebook y YouTube from NCDHHS, where viewers can submit questions. The event will include a telecommunicating option, inviting people to listen and submit questions by phone. Participants can also call into the event at 855-756-7520 Ext. 111990#.
Visit Vacunate.nc.gov for information, guidance and resources on seasonal vaccines and how they support respiratory health.
