Flu season is coming early again this year according to trends, and that has Wake County health officials reminding everyone that now is the time to “take your shot” against the flu before cases start to surge.

Last year’s respiratory illness season began earlier than normal and was especially harsh, resulting in 10,178 emergency department visits related to the flu in Wake County alone. This was a 34% increase from the previous year’s flu season. There were 200 flu-related deaths reported statewide, 10 of which were in Wake County.

“To be prepared for this fall and winter virus season, we have more vaccines and treatments than ever,” said Wake County Commissioner Matt Calabria. “But it takes everyone doing their part to make this defense work. We highly encourage residents to get their annual flu shot, along with their updated COVID-19 vaccine. Doing so will help us keep the virus season mild, protect our most vulnerable residents, avoid overwhelming our healthcare system, and save lives.”

The exact timing and duration of flu seasons can vary, but cases often begin to increase in mid-October and peak between December and February. It takes about two weeks to build immunity after getting the shot, meaning now is the perfect time to get protected for upcoming holidays and gatherings.

Where to Get Vaccinated
Flu vaccines are available in nearly every pharmacy, clinic, doctor’s office, health department and some schools and universities. Most of these locations will also offer the updated COVID-19 vaccines, as well as the updated RSV vaccine when it becomes available.

Wake County Public Health is holding walk-in flu shot clinics at the Public Health Center located at 10 Sunnybrook Road in Raleigh. The clinics are scheduled on Thursdays, from 1 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26 and Nov. 2, 9 and 16.

No appointment is needed but clients can speed up their visit by filling out a registration form ahead of time.

The flu vaccine can be taken as a shot or as a nasal spray.

There is no charge for the vaccine for:

• Uninsured pregnant women
• Children who qualify for the Vaccines for Children Program (VFC). To qualify they must be under 19 years of age and one of the following:
  • Uninsured or underinsured
  • Medicaid recipients
  • American Indian or Alaskan
     

If you have health insurance, most insurers cover the cost of flu vaccines at our clinics as part of preventive care. People who are 65 or older enrolled in Medicare Part B plans and most people on Medicaid can also receive their annual flu shots at no personal cost. Adults without insurance can pay $30 cash or check for a vaccine. There is also a high dose flu vaccine recommended for those over 65 years old for $60.

Can you get a flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine together?
Yes! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the new, updated COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines can be administered without regard to timing. It’s not only safe but convenient to receive both shots at the same time.

Who Should Get a Flu Shot?
Wake County Public Health encourages everyone to get vaccinated against the flu – especially children ages five and younger, and adults 65 and older – because they’re at greater risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus.

They also advise frontline workers, caregivers, first responders and people with underlying health conditions to get a flu shot.

For more information about how you can “take your shot” against the flu, visit wake.gov/flu.