Here are the 3 shots NC doctors say to get this fall (+ when to get them)
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- ER visits hold near 5.5% in October; officials urge fall vaccinations.
- Get flu, RSV and COVID shots on schedule; prioritize high-risk groups.
- Vaccines available at pharmacies, stores and clinics; consult your doctor.
Respiratory illness season is here in North Carolina, and doctors say there are simple steps you can take to stay protected.
According to data from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, the percentage of emergency room visits due to respiratory virus symptoms has remained around 5.5% since the beginning of October, suggesting that there hasn’t been an uptick in cases yet.
While it’s too soon to tell how bad the respiratory virus season will be this year, Dr. David Weber, an infectious disease specialist at UNC Health, warned that “last year was a really bad year for flu.”
“There were much higher cases of infection, hospitalizations and deaths,” he added.
North Carolina health officials are reminding people to get three important vaccines this fall to reduce their risk of getting seriously sick. The key, they say, is making sure you get each shot at the right time for the best protection.
Here’s what to know as you plan your vaccines for the weeks ahead.
Flu vaccine
Who should get it: All children and adults six months and older, unless there is a specific medical reason to avoid it.
When you should get it: Ideally in September or October, before flu activity begins to increase, but it’s not too late to get it now.
It takes about one to three weeks for a vaccine to build immunity, so if you’re planning to travel for the holidays, there’s still time to get vaccinated, Dr. David Weber, an infectious disease specialist at UNC Health, previously told The News & Observer.
“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.”
A high-dose flu shot is available for people 65 and older to give extra protection against severe flu, Weber said.
RSV Vaccine
Who should get it: Adults age 75 and older, adults 50-74 with chronic medical conditions, pregnant people in their second or third trimester, infants younger than eight months who were born shortly before or are entering their first RSV season and infants aged eight to 19 months who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season.
When you should get it: Late summer or early fall
For most healthy people, RSV is just like a common cold and usually goes away within a week, UNC Health says. But babies, people with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic lung conditions are more likely to get seriously sick, developing illnesses like bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
Each year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that roughly 123,000-190,000 adults in the U.S. end up in the hospital because of RSV.
COVID-19 vaccine
Who should get it: Though the official recommendation from the CDC has been lifted, health providers generally recommend the COVID vaccine for anyone aged six months and older.
When you should get it: Ideally in September or October, but it’s not too late to get it now, Weber previously told The Charlotte Observer, adding that it takes roughly three weeks to build immunity after getting the shot.
In North Carolina, adults can get the COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy, either with a prescription or after a chat with the pharmacist about the benefits and risks, North Carolina Health News reported.
Kids aged 7 to 18 can also walk in for the shot without a prescription, as long as a parent or guardian gives consent and talks it over with the pharmacist. For children under 7, parents should reach out to their doctor, local clinic or health department to see if they’re offering the vaccine.
Can you get your COVID, flu and RSV shots at the same time?
Yes, Weber previously told the Observer.
Since not everyone needs all three vaccines, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor first.
Is vaccine uptake lower this year?
Yes. According to data from the CDC, flu vaccine uptake is lower this year than it has been during the last four flu seasons.
That could be due to safety concerns around vaccinations and the prevalence of misinformation about them, Weber said, adding that he often uses an analogy about seatbelts when discussing immunizations.
“Yes, someone wearing a seat belt might die in a freak accident, but for every one of those people, a thousand are alive because seat belts save their lives,” he said. “It’s the same thing with vaccines… you do have some side effects, but when you compare the risk of getting flu… the vaccines are enormously beneficial.”
Where to get a COVID, flu or RSV vaccine in NC
You can visit the following places for vaccines in North Carolina:
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 pharmacies inside 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 has been updated.
This story was originally published November 5, 2025 at 12:18 PM with the headline "Here are the 3 shots NC doctors say to get this fall (+ when to get them)."
