Press Releases

Children and teens 5 and older can now receive the updated COVID-19 booster, specifically made to protect against the latest COVID-19 variants. The new booster is becoming available in North Carolina following the Food and Drug Administration’s emergency use authorization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation.

Public health officials with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services see a decrease in flu vaccinations compared to previous years and urge North Carolinians 6 months and older to get their flu shot before the end of October, as flu season in the state typically peaks in the winter.

It will now be easier for parents to pay child support payments. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced payments can now be accepted through Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo and PayPal, by credit card or debit card via phone at 1-855-702-2268, as well as by cash or debit card at local Walmart stores.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is working collectively with more than 100 statewide partners to improve the health of all people of reproductive age, with a focus on infant mortality, maternal health and maternal mortality.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live Spanish-language Cafecito and tele-town hall on Thursday, Oct. 6, from 7 to 8 p.m. to discuss updated COVID-19 boosters, testing and treatments, as well as the flu and monkeypox vaccines.

Eight organizations across the state will now be able to increase their recovery services, supports and accessibility for individuals with substance use disorders.

North Carolina has been awarded a $13.8 million federal grant to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities access inclusive jobs with competitive wages and benefits. As part of the project, three regional sites will provide intensive support and training to increase access to jobs in growing employment sectors — green jobs, essential workers and travel/hospitality.

Health officials from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the state’s first death this year associated with West Nile virus. To protect the family's privacy, no other information regarding the deceased will be provided.

The Child and Adult Care Food Program helps eligible children and adults access healthy, nutritious food by reimbursing qualified child care programs, adult day programs and other non-residential care programs for meals and snacks served to participants. CACFP is administered federally by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and at the state level by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

As North Carolinians begin to feel the impacts, including power outages and flooding, from the remnants of Hurricane Ian, officials from the NC Department of Health and Human Services are urging residents to properly prepare for impacts from the storm.