As of October 2025, the CDC and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has authorized a number of different groups of individuals to receive the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine after shared clinical decision making for individualized provider/patient discussion of risks and benefits. 

Everyone over the age of 65 and adults aged 18 to 64 with certain health conditions that put them at higher risk of infection are approved for the COVID-19 vaccine. Children 6 months to 2 years are also an approved group. All adults 18 to 64 who are healthy and who do not have one of these conditions, are still able to obtain the vaccine following shared clinical decision making with your provider. 

You can get vaccinated through health care providers (your doctor’s office, clinics or hospitals), pharmacies (e.g., CVS, Harris Teeter, etc.), community health centers and local health department clinics.

Most pharmacies already have the new 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines available, but some locations may not have them yet. Call your pharmacy ahead of time to check availability and make an appointment if needed.

As recommendations are changing, we encourage all residents to discuss their individual risk factors with their healthcare provider. Individuals at higher risk of severe COVID-19 (older adults, those with underlying health conditions, pregnant people, immunocompromised persons, etc.) are especially encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

The “best time” is now as respiratory virus / flu season is underway. 

Older adults have higher risk of severe disease, so staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccination, or receiving a booster, is especially important.

Governor Josh Stein directed NCDHHS to issue a new Standing Order that makes it easier for adults in NC to get their COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies. Now, all individuals 18 and over, especially adults 65 and older and adults ages 18 to 64 with certain health conditions that put them at higher risk, can get vaccinated at a pharmacy without a prescription. 

Professional medical organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Gynecology and the American Academy of Family Physicians continue to recommend COVID vaccination for anyone who is pregnant and breastfeeding as well as most children. Specifically, that includes the following groups: 

1. All young children 6 – 23 months;
2. Children and adolescents ages 2 years – 18 years who are at high risk of severe COVID-19, residents of long-term care facilities or other group settings, those who have never been vaccinated against COVID-19, or those who may live with people who are at high risk for severe COVID-19; and
3. Children and teens not in the groups above whose parent or guardian desires the protection offered by the vaccine.  

Vaccines remain an important part of overall health and well-being and are the most effective means available to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death. They help protect the health of children and adults, their families and the entire community from the spread of infectious diseases.

Many pharmacies, doctors’ offices and clinics already have one of the new 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines available. Call ahead of time to check availability and make an appointment if needed. As to which vaccine is “best”, there are some subtle differences between the various vaccines available.  The bottom line? The best vaccine is the one you can receive.  

In general, COVID-19 vaccines are covered by most insurance plans. Check with your pharmacy and insurance provider. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, Wake County Public Health can work with you to assess if you qualify for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost.

At this time, Wake County has received our delivery of the 2025-2026 vaccines and they are offered by appointment only at our clinics.