CHARLOTTE, NC –  With the respiratory illness season now in full force, Mecklenburg County Public Health is offering free COVID and flu vaccines to uninsured residents. Health officials say vaccinations are an important way to protect yourself and your loved ones during the holiday season. Mecklenburg County Public Health has worked with federal and state partners to secure vaccines for uninsured residents. “We remain committed to ensuring everyone has access to annual COVID and flu vaccines without cost as a barrier. We’ve now received our supply of free COVID and flu vaccines for uninsured residents from state and federal partners and are making more opportunities available for uninsured residents,” said Dr. Raynard Washington, Mecklenburg County Public Health director. “The temperatures are dropping, and we will all be spending more time indoors with our loved ones. Let’s all do our part to make our community safer for those most vulnerable to these illnesses.” Respiratory viruses such as COVID, influenza (flu) and RSV can lead to severe illness, especially in young children, older adults, and individuals with underlying health conditions. Most recent Mecklenburg County data shows that acute respiratory illness causing people to seek health care is low. However, influenza and RSV levels are increasing across the county, with children ages 0 to 4 accounting for a majority of the RSV emergency room visits. Public Health would like to share the following reminders and information: Get Vaccinated: Stay up-to-date on flu and COVID vaccinations. Practice Good Hygiene: Frequently wash your hands, avoid touching your face, and cover your coughs and sneezes. Stay Home When Sick: Keep yourself and others safe by staying home when you’re feeling unwell. Pregnant people and parents/caretakers of children under 2 years old are encouraged to ask their healthcare provider or call Public Health about the RSV vaccine. Older adults are encouraged to check with their local pharmacy or health care provider for availability of the RSV vaccine. To schedule an appointment, call (704) 336-6500 or visit health.mecknc.gov/clinical-services/immunizations Walk-in appointments for these vaccines are based on availability at the following locations: Northwest Health Dept., 2845 Beatties Ford Rd: Mon., Tue., Thu. and Fri. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Wed. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Southeast Health Dept., 249 Billingsley Rd: Mon., Tue., Thu. and Fri. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Wed. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Valerie C. Woodard Community Resource Center, 3205 Freedom Dr: Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center, 430 Stitt Rd: Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.