![Two people with child holding giant bandage](https://s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wakegov.com.if-us-west-1/s3fs-public/styles/hero_image_large/public/images/2021-07/PeopleWithChildandBandage_0.jpg?itok=aZGbnmT-)
Get Your Updated COVID-19 Vaccine!
The updated COVID-19 vaccine is now available for children and adults 6 months and older. Find a convenient spot to get the vaccines through vaccines.gov. Simply enter your ZIP code and find a location near you. If you have insurance, check with your selected site or your insurer to confirm that the site is in network.
Additional COVID-19 dose approved for those 65 years and older
The CDC recommends that anyone age 65+ should receive an additional dose of updated COVID vaccine at least four (4) months after their previous dose. People who are age 65+ and are moderately or severely immunocompromised should receive an additional dose of updated COVID vaccine at least two (2) months after their previous dose.
Wake County Public Health Vaccine Appointments
Wake County Public Health has vaccination locations throughout the county open five days a week. All clinics are administering the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (2023-2024 formula).
You can make an appointment by calling our Public Health Call Center at 919-250-1500 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
**Wake County Public Health is experiencing a high volume of calls. Thank you for your patience!**
Prepare for Your Appointment
Bring your health insurance card and your COVID-19 vaccine card to your appointment. COVID-19 vaccination is covered by most health insurance. If you do not have health insurance, let our staff know. COVID-19 vaccines may be available at no cost for uninsured individuals.
Wake County Locations | Address |
---|---|
Wake County Health and Human Services Center at Departure | 5809 Departure Drive, Raleigh |
Wake County Public Health Center | 10 Sunnybrook Road, Raleigh |
Northern Regional Center | 350 E. Holding Ave., Wake Forest |
Eastern Regional Center | 1002 Dogwood Dr., Zebulon |
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs
Why are there updated COVID-19 vaccines?
The FDA and CDC approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech in September 2023. These vaccines target the COVID-19 variants that are currently circulating. The updated vaccines were created to provide better protection against serious illness due to COVID-19.
Who can be vaccinated?
Adults and children 6 months and older are eligible for an updated COVID-19 vaccine (2023 – 2024 formula). Parental consent is required for children ages 6 months to 11 years.
Where can I get vaccinated?
Wake County Public Health is one of many vaccine providers in Wake County. Find a vaccination location near you at NC Vaccine Finder.
Can I pick which vaccine brand I receive?
Wake County Public Health is offering Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (2023-2024 Formula). If you would prefer another brand of COVID-19 vaccine, you can find another vaccine provider at NC Vaccine Finder.
Is there a cost for the COVID-19 vaccine?
Bring your health insurance card (Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance) to your COVID-19 vaccination appointment. Most health insurance will cover the cost of the COVID-19 vaccine. If you or your child is uninsured, let the Wake County Public Health staff know. COVID-19 vaccines may be available at no cost for uninsured individuals.
Should my child get the updated vaccine?
The FDA and CDC have approved updated COVID-19 vaccines for children ages six months and older. The vaccines are the best way to protect your child from getting seriously ill due to COVID-19.
What kind of side effects does the COVID-19 vaccine have?
Some people report temporary reactions after being vaccinated, such as swelling from the injection, tiredness or feeling bad for a day or two. These are normal symptoms and a sign of a proper immune response, similar to those experienced when receiving other routine vaccinations. You cannot become infected with COVID-19 from receiving the vaccine. Please consult your primary care physician if you have any concerns about the way you’re feeling after vaccination.
I don't like needles. Is there any other way to vaccinate me against COVID-19?
Currently, the COVID-19 vaccine is only available as a shot. Talk to a doctor, nurse, or medical professional about your fear of needles. Many people report being afraid of needles, but they weigh the benefits of feeling that brief prick against getting sick if they contract COVID-19.
Is it safe to get a flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
Yes! The CDC and FDA have determined it is safe to get both a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu shot at the same time. If you have concerns about getting both vaccines at the same time, you should speak with a healthcare provider.
How can I get the COVID-19 vaccine for my child aged 6 months or older?
Wake County Public Health is one of many vaccine providers in Wake County. Find a vaccination location near you at NC Vaccine Finder.
What side effects can my child get from the vaccine?
The side effects for children are very similar to adults. After being vaccinated, some children reported temporary reactions, such as swelling from the injection, tiredness or feeling bad for a day or two. These are normal symptoms and signs of a proper immune response, similar to those experienced when receiving other routine vaccinations. These reactions typically last no longer than a day and a half. Your child cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine. Please consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns about the way your child is feeling after vaccination.
Contact your doctor or healthcare provider:
- If the redness or tenderness where your child got the shot gets WORSE after 24 hours
- If your child's side effects are worrying you or do not seem to be going away after a few days
If your child gets a COVID-19 vaccine and you think your child might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination site, seek immediate medical care by calling 911.
My child is scared of shots. How can I help keep them calm?
Try these simple tips to help your child get the COVID-19 vaccine:
- Be Honest And Calm – Kids are smart. Prepare them for the vaccine visit a few days before the appointment. Explain that they may feel a little pinch, and it will go away very fast. Use words like "pressure" or "poke" rather than "pain" or "shot." Remain upbeat and relaxed before, during and especially after shots.
- Sweet Treat – Tasting something sweet can help reduce the pain response from a shot. For example, give our child a small piece of candy 2 minutes before the shot. Even a very small amount can help reduce pain during shots.
- Hug Them – Embracing your child will help them relax and move less. Keep them still by holding your child on your lap or have the child stand in front of you as you sit. Embrace your child during the process.
- Distract Your Child – Right before the shot, call your child's name, sing your child's favorite song, or act plain silly to pull your child's attention away from the shot giver. Then, keep the distraction going after the vaccine is given.
- High Five – Give your child and yourself a high-five! You just protected your child with the COVID-19 vaccine. Your community thanks you!
![Covid-19 testing](https://s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wakegov.com.if-us-west-1/s3fs-public/styles/max_1300x1300/public/images/2022-07/covid_generictesting_web_page.jpg?itok=lkGQV7LV)
If you need a COVID-19 test, there community testing sites, as well as a large supply of no-cost, at-home tests, available at various Wake County government locations.
No-Cost At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Wake County Public Health is offering no-cost, at-home antigen tests to the public. Stop by during regular business hours and you can pick up enough test kits for those in your household. The number of tests in each box varies. They're available at the following locations at self-serve tables just inside the entrances – please stock up for this winter so you can detect COVID-19 quickly and protect yourself and your family!
Location |
Address |
Hours |
---|---|---|
Wake County Southern Regional Center | 130 N. Judd Parkway NE, Fuquay-Varina | 8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m. |
Wake County Northern Regional Center | 350 E. Holding Ave., Wake Forest | 8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m. |
Wake County Eastern Regional Center | 1002 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon | 8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m. |
Wake County Western Health & Human Services Center | 111 James Jackson Ave. Cary | 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. |
Wake County Health & Human Services Center at Departure | 5809 Departure Drive, Raleigh | 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. |
Wake County Health & Human Services Swinburne Building | 220 Swinburne St., Raleigh | 8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m. |
Wake County Public Health Center | 10 Sunnybrook Road, Raleigh | 8 a.m.–5:15 p.m. |
Worried your tests have expired?
Before you throw out your tests, check the FDA's website to see if your COVID-19 tests' expiration dates have been extended.
Contact Us
Contact us for COVID-19 questions OR to schedule a vaccine appointment:
919-250-1500, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.