With respiratory virus season fast approaching, the Coastal Health District Health Department is gearing up for the latest shipments of COVID and flu vaccines expected this September.
Influenza and COVID vaccines are updated annually to provide the best protection against currently circulating strains of the virus. Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new COVID vaccine formulation for the 2024-2025 season. FDA approval means that previous COVID vaccines will no longer be available.
“Our health department will resume COVID vaccinations as soon as the latest vaccine arrives,” said Paige Lightsey, immunization program coordinator for the Coastal Health District. “This year's flu vaccine is also expected to arrive in September, and we encourage everyone to make plans to get both vaccinations this fall.”
COVID and flu vaccinations can be given at the same time and are recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months. Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of severe illness, including older adults, young children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.
As updated COVID and flu vaccines become available in the coming weeks, the Coastal Health District will make announcements on this website, through social media platforms and local media.
