The FDA and CDC approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech in September 2023. These vaccines target the COVID-19 variants that are currently circulating. The updated vaccines were created to provide better protection against serious illness due to COVID-19.

Adults and children 6 months and older are eligible for an updated COVID-19 vaccine (2023 – 2024 formula). Parental consent is required for children ages 6 months to 11 years.

Wake County Public Health is one of many vaccine providers in Wake County. Find a vaccination location near you at NC Vaccine Finder.

Wake County Public Health is offering Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (2023-2024 Formula). If you would prefer another brand of COVID-19 vaccine, you can find another vaccine provider at NC Vaccine Finder.

Bring your health insurance card (Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance) to your COVID-19 vaccination appointment. Most health insurance will cover the cost of the COVID-19 vaccine. If you or your child is uninsured, let the Wake County Public Health staff know. COVID-19 vaccines may be available at no cost for uninsured individuals.

The FDA and CDC have approved updated COVID-19 vaccines for children ages six months and older. The vaccines are the best way to protect your child from getting seriously ill due to COVID-19.

Some people report temporary reactions after being vaccinated, such as swelling from the injection, tiredness or feeling bad for a day or two. These are normal symptoms and a sign of a proper immune response, similar to those experienced when receiving other routine vaccinations. You cannot become infected with COVID-19 from receiving the vaccine. Please consult your primary care physician if you have any concerns about the way you’re feeling after vaccination.

Currently, the COVID-19 vaccine is only available as a shot. Talk to a doctor, nurse, or medical professional about your fear of needles. Many people report being afraid of needles, but they weigh the benefits of feeling that brief prick against getting sick if they contract COVID-19.

Yes! The CDC and FDA have determined it is safe to get both a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu shot at the same time. If you have concerns about getting both vaccines at the same time, you should speak with a healthcare provider.

Wake County Public Health is one of many vaccine providers in Wake County. Find a vaccination location near you at NC Vaccine Finder.

The side effects for children are very similar to adults. After being vaccinated, some children reported temporary reactions, such as swelling from the injection, tiredness or feeling bad for a day or two. These are normal symptoms and signs of a proper immune response, similar to those experienced when receiving other routine vaccinations. These reactions typically last no longer than a day and a half. Your child cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine. Please consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns about the way your child is feeling after vaccination.

Contact your doctor or healthcare provider:

• If the redness or tenderness where your child got the shot gets WORSE after 24 hours
• If your child's side effects are worrying you or do not seem to be going away after a few days
   

If your child gets a COVID-19 vaccine and you think your child might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination site, seek immediate medical care by calling 911.

Try these simple tips to help your child get the COVID-19 vaccine:

• Be Honest And Calm – Kids are smart. Prepare them for the vaccine visit a few days before the appointment. Explain that they may feel a little pinch, and it will go away very fast. Use words like "pressure" or "poke" rather than "pain" or "shot." Remain upbeat and relaxed before, during and especially after shots.
• Sweet Treat – Tasting something sweet can help reduce the pain response from a shot. For example, give our child a small piece of candy 2 minutes before the shot. Even a very small amount can help reduce pain during shots.
• Hug Them – Embracing your child will help them relax and move less. Keep them still by holding your child on your lap or have the child stand in front of you as you sit. Embrace your child during the process.
• Distract Your Child – Right before the shot, call your child's name, sing your child's favorite song, or act plain silly to pull your child's attention away from the shot giver. Then, keep the distraction going after the vaccine is given.
• High Five – Give your child and yourself a high-five! You just protected your child with the COVID-19 vaccine. Your community thanks you!