Catawba County News

Staying Healthy During Respiratory Illness Season

Published: October 20, 2026

Respiratory illnesses are more common in the fall and winter and there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting sick.

Now is the time for Catawba County residents to get vaccinated against common respiratory illnesses. For some people, this can include an annual vaccine for influenza (flu), COVID-19, or the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine for people who are vulnerable.

Vaccines are the best way we can protect ourselves and others from respiratory illnesses. In addition to vaccines, staying away from people when you feel sick, handwashing, and covering coughs and sneezes are all ways we can prevent illness while protecting ourselves, our families and our community.

Getting your flu, COVID-19 or RSV vaccine in the fall gives your body time to build up immunity to the current virus strains before they begin circulating in higher numbers. While vaccines are not 100% effective, they still protect many people from getting sick, shorten how long someone is sick and make symptoms less severe.

Catawba County Public Health encourages people to talk to their health care provider or pharmacist about which respiratory virus vaccines are right for them. To save time and avoid extra appointments, you can get more than one respiratory vaccine at a time.

“Although all three of these respiratory viruses usually cause mild illness, for some people, they can result in serious illness and hospitalization. This is especially true in the most vulnerable populations, like babies, pregnant women and older adults.” said Health Director Jennifer McCracken. “Staying up to date on vaccines is important for everyone, not just high-risk individuals or their caregivers.”

Most health insurance most plans will cover vaccines at no cost to the patient. Adults who don’t have health insurance or have health plans that do not cover the cost of vaccines can discuss options with their provider or Catawba County Public Health. The Vaccines for Children program helps eligible children get free vaccines from a provider enrolled in that program, including Catawba County Public Health.

Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines are widely available in the community at health care provider offices, pharmacies and Catawba County Public Health. If you aren’t sure where to go, there is a vaccine finder tool available at https://www.vaccines.gov/. For people who wish to obtain their vaccines at Catawba County Public Health, appointments should be made by calling (828) 695-5881 or using the online request form on Catawba County Public Health’s web site at https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/public-health/forms/request-an-appointment/. Eligibility and costs for these shots can vary.