October 12, 2022

Is it Safe to Get a Flu Shot and a COVID-19 Vaccine at the Same Time? YES!

If you’re able to schedule both your flu shot and your COVID-19 booster for the same appointment, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises, it’s safe to do so. “Even though both vaccines can be given at the same visit, people should follow the recommended schedule for either vaccine,” the CDC notes. “If you haven’t gotten your currently recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccine, get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can, and ideally get a flu vaccine by the end of October.”
 
It’s also safe for kids to get a flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time, the CDC adds. “You can get both vaccines at the same time, but don’t delay either vaccination in order to get them both at the same visit,” the agency advises. “Both vaccines are recommended, and your child should get the recommended doses for each vaccine.”

WILL GETTING YOUR FLU SHOT AND COVID BOOSTER TOGETHER WORSEN SIDE EFFECTS?

Getting two vaccines at the same time could slightly increase your risk of minor side effects, per the CDC.
 
One study, the agency says, found people “who received a flu vaccine and an mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine at the same time were slightly more likely (8% to 11%) to report systemic reactions including fatigue, headache, and muscle ache than people who only received a COVID-19 mRNA booster vaccine.” Those side effects “were mostly mild and resolved quickly,” the study found. “The findings of this study are consistent with safety data from clinical trials that did not identify any serious safety concerns with coadministration,” the CDC says.

To book a vaccine appointment today visit takemyshot.nc.gov or call (919) 913-8088. 

Be Safe and Have Fun on Halloween!
 

Many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses. 
There are several safer, alternative ways to participate in Halloween and still have fun! 

The guidance says traditional outdoor trick or treating or trunk and treating where treats are handed to children are lower risk this year, but limiting crowds is a good idea. 

Precautions such as masks, distancing and use of outdoor spaces are especially needed if you interact regularly with high-risk individuals or people who haven’t been vaccinated yet.

If you may have COVID-19 or you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not participate in in-person Halloween festivities and should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters.

FLYERS (PDF): English, Spanish, Chinese

First Death of 2022 Associated West Nile Virus

NCDHHS announced a death associated with West Nile virus (WNV). To protect the family's privacy, no other information regarding the deceased will be provided. Residents and visitors are encouraged to take precautions to prevent mosquito-borne illness, especially with rainfall expected throughout the season. Since 2012 the number of cases reported per year ranged from zero to 10. North Carolina has identified nine cases of WNV this year, with more being investigated.

Most people who become infected with WNV experience either no symptoms or a mild, flu-like illness, which is partly why for every verified WNV case, there are approximately 100-150 more infections that are undetected.

Take precautions against WNV by: 1) Using a mosquito repellent with DEET; 2) Installing and repairing window and door screens; 3) Keeping doors closed; 4) Using air conditioning; and 5) Emptying standing water from pots, gutters, and buckets outside. Cities and counties can reduce their populations of WNV-infected mosquitoes after hurricanes with a range of pest services through a Department of Public Safety contract. Go to the CDC's website for ways more ways to prevent WNV and keep you and your family safe. 

Register Now for a Diabetes Prevention Class

1 in 3 adults have pre-diabetes. Do you?

 
There’s still time to register for the next diabetes prevention program class if you’re interested in learning how to lose at least 5% of your body weight and to achieve at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week to prevent Type 2 Diabetes. 
 
Enrollment Information: The program starts Friday, October 28th from 12 pm to 1 pm and continues for 16 weeks. The cost of the program is $25. 

To sign up, contact Renée Kemske at rkemske@orangecountync.gov or call 919-245-2380.

After the 16 weeks, there are follow-up sessions to help participants continue the positive lifestyle changes learned during the program.

Free Naloxone Kits Available at Orange County Detention Center

Naloxone is a medication designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. Free kits are available now at the Orange County Detention Center located at 1200 US 70 West, Hillsborough. The detention center is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There are also free COVID-19 tests available in the vending machine. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

Please be aware that the Chapel Hill vaccine clinic is currently booked 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 3,210,837 COVID-19 cases, 26,852 deaths and 843 hospitalizations. 67% of North Carolina's population is up to date on their COVID-19 vaccination.

There are currently 36,004 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 Booster/ Additional Dose: 61% 

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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