Is it too late to get a flu or COVID shot? UNC doctor on how to stay healthy this winter
We’re seeing so many people getting sick right now, and severe flu cases are expected to skyrocket after the Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s holidays.
But if you’re not vaccinated yet, is it too late?
We talked to Dr. David Weber, an infectious disease specialist at the UNC School of Medicine, for answers.
Is it too late to get a flu or COVID shot?
No, it’s definitely not too late, Weber said.
It takes one to three weeks to develop immunity from a vaccine, so if you’re going to travel for Christmas or Hanukkah in one week and/or for New Year’s in two weeks, there’s still time to get that vaccine and immunity.
“It’s like mailing your letter to Santa if you want a Christmas present to arrive,” Weber said. “You can’t wait until Christmas Eve to mail it off. But there’s still time right now.”
An estimated 33% of adults in North Carolina have received their flu shot this season, according to the latest CDC data available.
Which respiratory illnesses are going around North Carolina?
We’re in what Weber is calling a “quadrupledemic” — the latest variant of COVID-19, influenza, RSV and walking pneumonia are the biggest dangers in North Carolina this year.
Simple definitions:
▪ COVID-19: A contagious and easily spreadable respiratory illness caused by a virus. Anyone infected can spread it, even if they don’t have symptoms. Over 1 million people in the U.S. have died from it, and its complications include “long COVID,” which is a chronic condition that can cause permanent disability. (Info: CDC)
▪ Influenza (flu): A contagious and spreadable respiratory illness caused by a influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. The illness can be mild to severe. (Info: CDC)
▪ Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): A common respiratory virus that causes mild symptoms in most people, but it’s the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the U.S. It infects the nose, throat and lungs and can be difficult to tell apart from the common cold. (Info: CDC)
▪ Walking pneumonia: A contagious respiratory illnesses caused by a bacteria. Most infections are mild, although the cough my last for several weeks (and people might not stay in bed when they have it, coining it “walking pneumonia”), but it can cause serious lung infections and require hospitalization. (Info: CDC)
Where to get a COVID or flu vaccine in North Carolina
Visit covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines and enter your zip code find a vaccine near you. In general, you can also check out:
▪ Pharmacies: Walk in or schedule appointments at national pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens. You can also inquire with local neighborhood pharmacies.
▪ Grocery and big box stores: Walk in or schedule appointments at stores like Walmart, Target, Harris Teeter, Publix and Carlie C’s.
▪ Your healthcare provider: Of course, you can contact your doctor for an appointment.
This story was originally published December 18, 2024 at 8:51 AM with the headline "Is it too late to get a flu or COVID shot? UNC doctor on how to stay healthy this winter."
