Free and low-cost flu, COVID and RSV shots available in Charlotte this fall

Early season influenza activity is higher this year than in previous years, according to the CDC, and North Carolina reported its first flu-related death of the season in October. Here's the current guidance on three important shots to get in North Carolina, who needs them, and where you can get them with walk-in options and no appointment options. You can safely receive two or three of these vaccines at the same time, according to the CDC. Flu. This one is recommended for anyone over six months of age. Professional medical societies still recommend annual COVID vaccines for all adults plus children 6 to 26 months of age and children 2 to 18 years in certain risk groups. RSV is recommended for children under 8 months and those 9 to 19 months in certain risk groups. People ages 50 to 74 at increased risk. Or age 75 plus should also receive an RSV vaccine. You can get vaccinated at your local doctor's office or at your local low-cost clinic. Just look up Mecklenburg County Public Health Clinics. If cost is your biggest obstacle, start here. If time is your biggest barrier, you can walk into most pharmacies or groceries to get vaccinated. Some also let you call ahead or book online like CVS, Walgreens, Harris Teeter, or Publix. Last year's flu season was characterized by a super flu. This caused 335 deaths, including 10 pediatric deaths. Ideally, everyone should have been vaccinated by the end of October. That's when the CDC says that respiratory illness season begins, but November isn't too late to get one. To stay updated on North Carolina's health news and to learn practical strategies for staying healthy, keep checking in to charlotteobserver.com.