Updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 Vaccine Available

 As of December 17, 2025, the SARS-CoV-2 virus was found in Mecklenburg County wastewater in the following amounts. 

NC DHHS is actively testing samples from four wastewater treatment plants in Mecklenburg County to monitor levels of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19 illness, to track the disease burden in our community. As of December 17, 2025, the SARS-CoV-2 virus was found in the following amounts:

• 20-39.9% of samples at the Charlotte 1 Sewershed (northwest)
• 40-59.9% of samples at the Charlotte 2 Sewershed (central)
• 0-19.9% of samples at the Charlotte 3 Sewershed (north)
• 80-100% of samples at the Charlotte 4 Sewershed (central)
• 60-79.9% of samples at the Charlotte 4 Sewershed (central)

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for adults ages 18 and older, especially those who are 65 years old and older, are at high risk for severe COVID-19, or have never received a COVID-19 vaccine. Parents of children ages 6 months to 17 years should discuss the benefits of vaccination with a healthcare provider.

The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect you from severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccine protection decreases over time, so it is important to get your 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine.

How much will it cost? Most health insurance plans will continue to cover the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost or with a co-pay. People with limited health insurance coverage or without insurance may have to pay and should ask when making an appointment. Children 18 years old and younger can get free vaccines through the Vaccines for Children Program.

Where can I get vaccinated? Contact your health care provider or go to your local pharmacy to get the vaccine. If those options do not work for you, you can get the vaccine at an MCPH immunization clinic. Walk in or call 704-336-6500 to make an appointment.

The following are important steps you can take to protect yourself and others from getting sick with COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses:

• Stay up to date with immunizations.
• Practice good hygiene (practices that improve cleanliness).
• Take steps for cleaner air.
• When you have symptoms of COVID-19 or other respiratory virus, like fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, follow these steps:
  • Get a test to find out how best to treat the illness you have.
  • Use precautions to prevent spread as long as you have symptoms.
  • Seek health care promptly for testing and/or treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness; treatment may help lower your risk of severe illness.
  • Seek emergency medical attention if someone is showing any of these emergency warning signs:*
    • Trouble breathing
    • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
    • New confusion
    • Inability to wake up or stay awake
    • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

*This list does not include all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

These resources offer more information about guidance, testing, and treatment:

• NC DHHS: What To Do If You Feel Sick
• NC DHHS: Testing for COVID-19
• US HHS: Treatments Locator