COVID-19 Vaccine

older woman receiving a vaccine

2-1-1 IS NOT THE NUMBER TO CALL FOR VACCINE INFORMATION OR SCHEDULING. Continue reading for more information about the COVID-19 vaccine and how it is being distributed in North Carolina. 

How can I get the vaccine?

The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to all North Carolinians aged 6 months and over. To find a provider, visit myspot.nc.gov. Here are a few things you should know: 

  • Those age 6 months and over may receive the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.  
  • The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is only available for adults who specifically request it.  
  • The Novovax vaccine is available only for adults. It was only made available mid-July 2022, so more information will be available at a later date. 
  • You may need an appointment to get vaccinated. Find your local vaccine provider. 
  • You can also call the COVID-19 Vaccine Help Center at 888-675-4567. Open Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm and Saturday-Sunday, 8am-4pm. 
  • The vaccine is free everywhere in North Carolina, even without health insurance. 
  • No photo ID is required.  
  • US citizenship is not required or checked.  
  • You will get a printed card and email to remind you to come back 3 to 4 weeks later for your second dose. Your personal information is private and strictly confidential. 
  • Booster shots are now available.

What should I know about booster shots? 

Updated boosters designed specifically to target the latest variants are available to everyone 6 months and older. 

You can get an updated Pfizer or Moderna booster if you are 6 months or older and:  

  • You received a booster, a second dose of the initial vaccine, or the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least TWO months ago.  

CLICK HERE to learn more.

What should I know about vaccines for children?  

Children are given two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine and each dose is a smaller amount than that given to people older. The vaccine is effective and produces a similar immune response in children as in adults. As with other routine vaccinations for children, COVID-19 vaccines underwent a thorough testing and review process by the FDA and an independent scientific committee to ensure they are safe and effective for children. 

How can I find transportation to my vaccine appointment? 

People who need transportation assistance to a COVID-19 vaccine appointment should reach out to their local transit agency for a free ride. You can find your local transit agency online and can call the phone number listed for assistance. Local transit agencies serve all 100 North Carolina counties. 

You can also ask your vaccine provider about transportation options. Some have partnered with agencies to provide free rides to vaccine appointments. 

Where can I find more information about the vaccine? 

  • NC Department of Health and Human Services has information about the COVID-19 vaccine. Visit https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines to learn more.
  • NC COVID-19 Help Center – 888-675-4567 (Open Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm and Saturday-Sunday, 8am-4pm).
  • DHHS complaint line – call if you need to make a complaint about a vaccine or vaccine provider. Call 318-550-3576.
  • DIAL (the Disability Information and Access Line) – available to help people with disabilities get vaccinated. Call 888-677-1199 or email DIAL@usaginganddisability.org to get help finding a vaccine, making an appointment, or finding transportation to get to the vaccine. Phone is available Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 8:00pm. 

How can I find my COVID-19 vaccination record? 

Visit the Vaccine Portal to find proof of your vaccine or print a copy. The Portal is available for people who: 

  • Received their vaccine from an NC provider, AND 
  • Provided an email address to an NC vaccine provider 

If you received your vaccine from a pharmacy (Harris Teeter, Publix, CVS, Walgreens, Ingles, etc) or from another federal vaccine provider such as the US Department of Defense, you will need to get your vaccine information directly from that provider. 

What should I keep doing after I’ve been fully vaccinated against COVID-19? 

  • Continue wearing a face covering in all K-12 schools, child care, indoor settings with a large number of children or child- focused activities (e.g, children’s museums), public transportation, healthcare settings, high density congregate settings (e.g., correction and detention facilities, homeless shelters, migrant farm camps), and large crowded indoor venues (e.g., arenas, stadiums).
  • Continue wearing a mask in all indoor public spaces if you live in area of high or substantial levels transmission as defined by the CDC until more people are vaccinated and viral transmission decreases.
  • Get tested if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

More information can be found from NCDHHS here

What can I do differently once I am up to date on my COVID-19 vaccines?  

Once you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines, you can participate in many of the activities that you did before the pandemic.  

CLICK HERE for more information from NCDHHS. 

Resources

Need more information? 

Read these Frequently Asked Questions (English|Spanish) from the NC Department of Health and Human Services. You can also call the COVID-19 Vaccine Help Center at 888-675-4567.

SOURCE: NCDHHS, CDC

Last updated 7/1/2023

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