Topics Related to Public Health
PRESS RELEASE — Governor Josh Stein and NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai got their annual flu shots today at Walgreens in Raleigh, North Carolina and encourage North Carolinians to get vaccinated against seasonal viruses to best protect themselves from serious illness and hospitalization. Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines are available at a variety of locations including pharmacies, where many North Carolinians choose to receive their vaccines. October is a great time to get vaccinated to have the strongest protection during peak respiratory virus season through winter.
PRESS RELEASE — Update: As of Nov. 13, 2025, the Oral Rabies Vaccination Program bait distribution over western North Carolina has been postponed to spring 2026. NCDHHS will provide updates as they become available in the coming months.
September is National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month. Sickle cell disease is a group of conditions that affect hemoglobin, which allows red blood cells to carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Red blood cells that contain sickle hemoglobin are inflexible and can stick to blood vessel walls, causing a blockage that slows or stops blood flow.
MEDIA ADVISORY — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services invite members of the media to attend a virtual press conference at 3:15 p.m. today, Sept. 12, to discuss access to COVID-19 vaccines.
MEDIA ADVISORY — Credentialed media are invited to attend the unveiling of the first Mobile Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) unit in North Carolina. Mobile OTPs reduce barriers to participation in treatment by making it easier for those seeking treatment to move into and maintain recovery. The mobile unit is sponsored by Morse Clinics opioid treatment programs in North Carolina. Morse Clinics are committed to providing Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) and counseling services for those experiencing Opioid Use Disorder. Morse Clinics serve Wake, Chatham, Johnston, Halifax, Granville,