COVID-19 Vaccines

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What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a disease caused by SARV-CoV-2, a new coronavirus that emerged in 2019. It spreads easily from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or talks. Some people who get infected with COVID-19 show no symptoms but are still able to pass it to others. Others, especially those who are 65 years or older or have underlying health conditions, may develop more severe symptoms that may require hospitalization or even lead to death.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms include:

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fever or chills
  • Muscle/body aches
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion/runny nose
  • Vomiting or nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of taste or smell

Prevent the spread of COVID-19 by staying 6 feet apart from others, washing your hands frequently, and avoiding large crowds when possible. If you have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccination, continue to wear your mask according to CDC, state, and local guidance. Consider getting vaccinated for COVID-19—it is the surest way of protecting yourself against COVID-19, and it is free!

If you have recently been exposed to someone who was diagnosed with COVID-19 or if you show symptoms, get tested for COVID-19 through your healthcare provider or contact the Onslow County Health Department at (910) 347-2154. For more information, visit the CDC website.

Why Is It Important to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?

The COVID-19 vaccine is a safe and effective way of helping protect you from the effects of COVID-19. The four vaccines currently available in the US (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and Novavax) all greatly decrease the likelihood of you getting the disease or, if you do get it, significantly decrease the likelihood of you getting seriously ill enough to require hospital care or die from COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine also reduces the likelihood of you passing the virus to others who have not yet been vaccinated or are unable to due to age, being immunocompromised, or having certain medical conditions. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, now called Comirnaty, has been fully approved by the FDA for use in individuals 16 years or older. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccine has also been approved by the FDA for use in individuals 18 years or older. Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty and Moderna also received Emergency Use Authorization for use in children aged 6 months to 17 years old.

The pandemic has affected everyone in different ways. Help Onslow County Health Department make our community a safer place to be by scheduling an appointment to get your free COVID-19 vaccine at the Vaccine Clinic today!  We carry all four FDA-approved vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and Novavax.

For more information about COVID-19 and the vaccine, visit the CDC website or the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Resources website. If you have any questions, please speak with your healthcare provider or the Onslow County Health Department (910) 347-2154.

Why Get the COVID-19 Vaccine for My Child or Teen?

All children 6 months or older are eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Although most children who get COVID-19 do not have severe symptoms that require going to the hospital, there have been some cases of severe illness. Children and teens can also pass COVID-19 to family members or others who come into close contact, even if they do not show any symptoms. The Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty vaccine, which received FDA Emergency Use Authorization for children 6 months to 15 years old and is fully approved by the FDA for teens 16 years or older, has gone through extensive clinical trials and testing. It is safe and effective. The Moderna vaccine has also received FDA Emergency Use Authorization for children 6 months to 17 years old.

Children or teens who get vaccinated do not have to miss school for 14 days after exposure to a close contact who tested positive for COVID-19 if they show no symptoms. Get your child or teen caught up on all their shots today – they can receive their COVID-19 vaccine along with routine vaccinations needed for school at the same visit! The COVID-19 vaccine is free for everyone. Click here for more information on childhood vaccinations.

Get Vaccinated

  • Call the Health Department to make an appointment at 910-347-2154.
  • Walk ins are welcome.

What to Bring to Vaccine Clinic

  • Photo ID
  • Any applicable medical insurance card(s)

Note: if you participate in a Medicare Advantage Plan, the COVID-19 administration claim must be submitted to your Original/Traditional Medicare (red/white/blue card). Fill in your Original/Traditional Medicare information on this form and/or bring your card to your appointment.

Vaccine Information

  1. Pfizer Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers
  2. Moderna Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers
  3. Johnson & Johnson Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers
  4. Novavax Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers
  5. HIPAA - Onslow County Government Privacy Guidelines Notice of Privacy Practices (English) (effective 12-01-2020).pdf
  6. Frequently Asked Questions (English)
  7. Frequently Asked Questions (Spanish)