COVID-19 Vaccine

Información en Español

COVID-19 Booster shots

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have authorized and recommended booster vaccine shots to provide continued protection for those at high risk for serious illness or exposure and who have been fully vaccinated with the Pfizer/Moderna vaccine for six months or more, or the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for two months or more. Those eligible include individuals who are:

• 65 years or older,
• 18 years or older who live in long-term care or other high-risk settings where many people live together (i.e., homeless shelters, correctional facilities, or dormitories),
• 18 years or older with underlying medical conditions, or
• 18 years or older and work in high-risk settings like healthcare workers, first responders, teachers, and childcare providers, or food workers.

How to schedule:

Booster shots are currently being offered by appointment only.

Appointments for booster shots can be made at takemyshot.nc.gov (the website is available in English and Spanish)

NHC vaccine clinics are offered on the following dates and locations:

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Sign up for COVID-19 updates here and get the latest information from New Hanover County Public Health.

You can find more local vaccine providers and COVID-19 vaccine appointment information at MySpot.NC.gov

 

What can I expect at the vaccine sites?

Getting a vaccine is easy, free, and includes a 15-minute observation time after you receive your vaccine. No documentation or information is needed for those receiving their first dose of the vaccine.

Can I walk up if I need a second dose?

Anyone who needs their second dose of the vaccine, and does not already have a scheduled appointment, can walk-up at one of these vaccine sites without an appointment. Please take note of the vaccine being offered at each site and select the one with the vaccine you need. Remember to bring your vaccination card to your second dose so it can be completed. If you received your first dose out of state, you will need to bring proof of your first dose to the walk-up site (i.e., your vaccination card or documentation from the state or entity where you received your first dose of the vaccine).

Are the vaccines safe?

All approved COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at preventing serious illness and death from COVID-19.

Why should I get a vaccine?

The vaccines are safe and effective at preventing serious illness and death from the COVID-19 virus. The more people who are vaccinated as soon as possible, the less opportunity the virus has to spread and form new variants. Getting vaccinated will help us get closer to herd immunity and help us end this pandemic.

What are possible side effects?

Side effects after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, just like with any other vaccine, are typically minor and short-lived; and some people experience no side effects at all. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists nine common side effects of the vaccine, including pain, redness and swelling at the injection site along with tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever and nausea. These are all normal signs that your body is building protection against the virus and should go away within a few days. The benefits of getting a vaccine far outweigh any possible short-term side effects that may be experienced. Learn more on the CDC’s website here.

Safe and effective vaccines are helping us defend against the COVID-19 virus, and New Hanover County Public Health is actively working to serve our entire community. Vaccines are one way to prevent serious illness from spreading, but it’s important to remember that it is not a cure or the end of COVID-19. To keep everyone safe, we must continue to use every tool in our toolkit – wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, washing our hands, staying home if sick, and other daily protective measures – regardless of vaccination status.

COVID-19 Information