Flu 2025-2026

2025-2026 Respiratory Virus Season
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone six months and older receive an annual flu and COVID vaccine, with rare exception. 

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be available at the health department no later than Monday, October 6, 2025. 

To protect the health and safety of our staff and clients during respiratory virus season, flu and COVD vaccines are offered at the Immunization Clinic located in the Health Department, 1235 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville. Appointments are not required.

Upon arrival at the clinic, participants will complete a short registration form and if insured, a copy of insurance cards will be captured, and the insurance company will be billed. Participants will not receive a bill for flu vaccines. Flu and COVID vaccines are FREE to all regardless of insurance status.

Children 18 and younger can also receive a free flu and COVID vaccine through the Vaccines for Children program. Anyone accompanying a minor must show proof of custody.

RSV vaccines for some infants and adults (age 60 and older) are now available at the Health Department. Visit our Immunizations Clinic for more information. 

Community Respiratory Vaccine Clinics
The  Health Department is also partnering with community agencies to offer free flu vaccine clinics throughout the County. No appointments are required for community flu clinics. Community clinics will be added as they are scheduled.

Anyone receiving a flu vaccination will fill out a consent and registration form.

Vaccine consent form: English and Spanish
Vaccine registration form: English and Spanish

Differences Between COVID-19 and Flu
Information from the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) on differences between Flu and COVID-19

There are some key differences between flu and COVID-19. COVID-19 seems to spread more easily than flu. However, as more people become fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 should slow down. COVID-19 can cause more serious illnesses in some people. It can also take longer before people show symptoms and people can be contagious for longer. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. 

Because some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis. Flu and COVID-19 share many characteristics, but there are some key differences between the two. Learn more about the differences between COVID-19 and the flu from the CDC.

Outreach Flu/COVID-19 Clinics