The new COVID vaccines are finally available. Here’s where you can get one in NC

COVID-19 levels in wastewater are “very high” in North Carolina, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , but three new vaccines should help fight the virus.

Small changes in the level of virus in wastewater can be an early signal that the number of people with COVID-19 in a community is rising or falling, according to the CDC .

Though data indicates the virus is spreading rapidly, two updated COVID vaccines recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and a third authorized for use in the U.S. , should help protect against the new variant and reduce chances of serious illness.

Here’s who should get the updated COVID vaccine, and where to get them in North Carolina.

Who should get the updated COVID vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all people aged six months and older receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine this fall .

Vaccinations are especially important for those at higher risk of severe viral respiratory disease, NCDHHS told the Observer, including:

• People 65 years and older

• Children younger than 5

• Pregnant women

• Those with a weakened immune system

• Those with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and obesity

Where to get the updated COVID vaccine in NC

You can schedule appointments online and/or walk in for a vaccine at many local stores, including:

• CVS
• Food Lion
• Fresh Market
• Harris Teeter
• Publix
• Sam’s Club
• Target

• Walgreens

• Walmart
• Wegmans

Local neighborhood pharmacies have also received the latest vaccines.

Find vaccines near you through the CDC’s online pharmacy lookup tool at vaccines.gov .

Where to get the Novavax updated vaccine in NC

The Novavax vaccine, which was approved by the FDA at the end of August, is the only non-mRNA updated COVID vaccine that is available in the U.S., according to Yale Medicine . People 12 and older are eligible for the shot.

According to Novavax , the vaccine is available at CVS, Costco and Publix locations across the state.

▪ Costco customers can schedule appointments to receive the Novavax vaccine at rx.costco.com/immunizationscheduler .

▪ Publix customers can schedule appointments to receive the updated COVID vaccine online .

▪ The vaccine will soon be available at Walgreens, Sam’s Club, Walmart and Harris Teeter, the company says.

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