Is it too late to get a flu shot? Info as ‘super flu’ spreads throughout NC
As flu cases have continued to rise across North Carolina, health experts have been urging residents to get vaccinated. But is it too late to get the shot now?
State data from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) show influenza-like illness made up just 1% of emergency department visits the week of Nov. 8, climbing steadily to 5% by Dec. 13. Hospital admissions for flu-like symptoms rose sharply over the same period, from 81 to 480 — a 493% increase.
In response, hospitals in Charlotte and the Triangle have implemented restrictions barring young children or those with respiratory virus symptoms from interacting with patients.
What is the ‘super flu’?
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show one variant makes up nearly 9 in 10 cases in the U.S., and it’s been dubbed the “super flu.”
Some research and surveillance reports suggest that H3N2 strains tend to be associated with more severe illness and higher rates of hospitalization and death compared to others, including H1N1 and influenza B, especially among older adults.
Dr. David Weber, an infectious disease specialist at UNC Health, told The Charlotte Observer that cases counts are expected to rise even more due to frequent large gatherings during the holidays.
“We almost always have bumps, not only at our hospital, but in North Carolina and countrywide after Christmas and New Year’s,” said Weber. “People get together for religious observances, and obviously, family and others get together.”
With the anticipated bump in cases, have those who want to protect themselves from the flu missed the window? Here’s what you need to know.
Is it too late to get a flu vaccine?
No, Weber told the Observer.
It takes one to three weeks to build immunity after vaccination, and with North Carolina’s flu season not expected to peak until late January, Weber said there’s still time to get the shot.
NC flu vaccine rates
NCDHHS data show just 20% of North Carolina residents have been vaccinated against the flu during the 2025-26 season. Vaccination rates in Mecklenburg and Wake County are at 20% and 25%, respectively.
Those rates are lower than in previous years, Weber said, noting that most counties are usually around 30–50% vaccinated by this point in the flu season.
“It depends obviously on age and risk factors,” Weber said, referring to vaccination rates. “It’s not surprising that older people who are at higher risk are more likely to be immunized.”
He attributed some of the drop to Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is “not a vaccine advocate,” he said. Kennedy’s tenure has included halting a CDC flu-promotion ad campaign and pausing meetings of major vaccine advisory groups, moves public health experts say could undermine confidence and uptake.
“Growing hesitancy” hasn’t affected just the flu, Weber said, noting that vaccination rates for measles, rubella and pertussis (whooping cough) have also declined in recent years.
Where to get a flu vaccine in NC
Here’s where to get a flu vaccine in NC:
- Pharmacies: Walk in or schedule appointments at national pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens. You can also inquire with local neighborhood pharmacies.
- Grocery and big box stores: Walk in or schedule appointments at stores like Walmart, Target, Harris Teeter and Publix.
- Your healthcare provider: Of course, you can contact your doctor for an appointment.
How to avoid the flu
There are several ways to protect yourself from catching the flu, The Observer previously reported.
- Wear masks: The illness spreads through airborne particles, so masking is especially important indoors and in crowded spaces as cases rise.
- Get vaccinated: Though official guidance from the CDC has shifted, health professionals recommend that most people 6 months and older get the latest flu shots.. Older adults can also get a high-dose flu shot.
- Use early treatments: Oral antivirals for flu work best when started quickly — within 48 hours of symptoms for flu.
- Stick to basic precautions: Cover coughs and sneezes, wash your hands, improve airflow by opening windows and stay home when you’re sick.
This story was originally published December 29, 2025 at 2:19 PM with the headline "Is it too late to get a flu shot? Info as ‘super flu’ spreads throughout NC."
