October 26, 2022

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is October 29th

Prescription drugs must be taken correctly, stored securely, disposed of properly, and never shared. Please safely and properly dispose of unwanted, unused, and/or expired medications.

Bring any unused or expired medications to the drop boxes so they are properly disposed of. 

• While it may not seem like a big deal to have medications lying around in the home, it could easily lead down a tragic path of addiction or unintentional poisonings.
• Take the simple step of disposing of medications!

Updated COVID-19 Boosters Available for Kids Age 5-11 Available Now

Everyone 5 and older can now receive the updated COVID-19 booster, specifically made to protect against the latest COVID-19 variants. The new booster is available for kids 5 to 11 in North Carolina following the Food and Drug Administration’s emergency use authorization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation.

The updated booster is referred to as a bivalent vaccine, as it targets both the original coronavirus strain and the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variants. As of mid-September, these variants made up approximately 80% of COVID-19 cases in North Carolina. Everyone 5 and older should get the updated COVID-19 booster two months after they finish their primary series or any booster dose.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, boosters, testing and treatments, or to find locations to get a COVID-19 and flu vaccine, visit MySpot.nc.gov or contact the North Carolina COVID-19 Vaccine Help Center by phone at 888-675-4567.   

If you’re able to schedule both your flu shot and your COVID-19 booster for the same appointment, it’s safe to do so.

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Lead is a chemical element that has been used in paint, gas for cars, weights, pottery and many other things and can be very harmful to humans who swallow or breathe in the lead, which is often in the form of dust.

Effects of Lead Poisoning
Children from 6 months to 6 years, are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning and can get very sick from lead poisoning. A child who swallows or breathes in lead may suffer damage to his or her brain, nerves, blood, and other parts of the body. This could result in the following:

• Behavior problems
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• A lowered IQ
• Mental retardation
• Possibly death

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

Please be aware that the Chapel Hill vaccine clinic is currently booked well into November. The Hillsborough vaccine clinic is a walk-in clinic and has spots available! It is open Fridays and Saturdays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and is located at 1020 US Hwy 70, Hillsborough (across from the DMV). 

Vaccines are free, and no ID is required! If you are coming for your second dose, or a booster please bring your vaccination card with the record of your previous doses. Visit our COVID-19 Vaccine page for the most up-to-date information: www.orangecountync.gov/getyourshot.

Ages 6 months and up can be vaccinated! To make an appointment call (919) 913-8088 or visit https://takemyshot.nc.gov.

Chapel Hill
Southern Human Services Center
2501 Homestead Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8:30am - 4:30pm
Appointments only.
***Ages 6 months and up.
***Moderna, J&J, Novavax, and Pfizer vaccines are available.

Hillsborough
Bonnie B. Davis Environment & Agricultural Center
1020 US Hwy 70 W., Hillsborough, NC
Friday and Saturday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Appointments encouraged but walk-ins also accepted. 
***Ages 6 months and up.
***Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are available

Please note the schedule below for upcoming closings at the Hillsborough Vaccine Clinic:

Free COVID-19 Testing 

VIEW THE CALENDAR

North Carolina COVID-19 Cases

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) reports 3,220,858 COVID-19 cases, 26,885 deaths and 783 hospitalizations. 67% of North Carolina's population is up to date on their COVID-19 vaccination.

There are currently 36,126 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 148 deaths in Orange County.

Orange County COVID-19 vaccinations:
Percentage of Population Vaccinated with at least One Dose: 81%
Percentage of Population Vaccinated with Two Doses or one Dose J&J: 78%
Percentage of Population Vaccinated with One New Booster Dose: 10% 

For more information regarding live updates (NCDHHS updates the site every day around noon), please visit the NCDHHS website. 

Orange County Health Department also has a COVID-19 dashboard webpage, with information on COVID-19 data in the county. 

More information may be found at www.orangecountync.gov/coronavirus

Health Department Locations

Contact Information

If you are an individual or a medical practice with questions about COVID-19, call the Orange County Health Department at (919) 913-8088 weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Spanish and other languages spoken.

Contact Kristin Prelipp, the Orange County Health Department’s Public Information Officer at: kprelipp@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-2462.

Orange County Health Department:
Web: www.orangecountync.gov/coronavirus
Phone: 919-245-2400
Facebook: Orange County Health Department
Instagram: OrangeHealthNC
Twitter: Orange Health NC
Youtube: OCHDNC

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