The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 6 to 7 p.m. to discuss ways to defend your family from respiratory illness; who should get updated flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines; and how to find testing and treatment.
Dr. Kelly Kimple, Director of the Division of Public Health, State Health Officer and Chief Medical Officer for Public Health at NCDHHS, will moderate the event. The panel will also feature additional experts who will provide resources and guidance for families, including Dr. Ray Feaster, Internist at Novant Health.
The fireside chat will stream live from NCDHHS Facebook, X (Twitter) and YouTube accounts, where viewers can submit questions. The event also includes a tele-town hall, which invites people by phone to listen in and submit questions. People can dial into the event by calling 855-756-7520 Ext. 127875#.
Contagious respiratory illnesses like the flu, COVID-19 and RSV can cause cold symptoms and severe breathing problems. These illnesses result in hundreds of hospitalizations, health complications and deaths each year across North Carolina. National medical organizations, like the American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recommend flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines as the most effective way to prevent severe illness.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for people ages 6 months and older. RSV vaccines are available for older adults and pregnant women. Some babies and children younger than age 2 may also need to receive an immunization to help build protection against RSV.
Fireside chat and tele-town hall panelists will discuss the following:
- How to defend yourself and your family from respiratory illnesses
- Who should get an updated flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine
- What to know about RSV protection, including RSV vaccines
- Ways to find a health care provider near you and access care
Washing your hands regularly, covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning common surfaces like doorknobs and other simple steps help keep germs from spreading. Testing and treatment are also available to catch cases early and help prevent severe illness. Reach out to a health care provider as soon as symptoms begin and avoid contact with others in the meantime.
The NCDHHS’ Vaccines for Seasonal Respiratory Illnesses webpage provides information on flu, COVID-19 and RSV, including guidance on who is eligible for vaccines and how to find a health care provider. Individuals who are uninsured or underinsured can also learn about getting help paying for vaccines, including ones that are low or no cost. Read the Division of Public Health blog, Don’t Let Germs Win This Season: Simple Ways to Stay Healthy, for tips and ways to keep you and your family healthy.