On September 12, 2025,Governor Josh Stein directed the State Health Director, as a measure for the prevention and control of communicable disease, to issue statewide standing orders to facilitate access to the COVID-19 vaccine in accordance with NC laws and FDA approvals for those who wish to receive it.

These orders allow an immunizing pharmacist licensed with the NC Board of Pharmacy and practicing in North Carolina in accordance with the conditions of their licensure to administer COVID-19 vaccines approved by the FDA per the conditions outlined in the orders.

These include Comirnaty (manufactured by Pfizer), Mnexspike (manufactured by Moderna), Nuvaxovid (manufactured by Novavax) and Spikevax (manufactured by Moderna).

Source: NC State Health Director Standing Orders

A new toolkit from NCDHHS offers a variety of resources to support healthcare providers with giving vaccines. The information and tools address the challenges involved in providing vaccines, including conversation guides, communication tools, and population-specific guidance.

It is crucial for healthcare providers to be well-equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively discuss immunization with patients and caretakers who might harbor doubts or feel hesitant about vaccines. This involves understanding the underlying reasons for their hesitancy, which can range from misinformation and fear of side effects to cultural beliefs and past experiences. By being empathetic and informed, healthcare providers can build trust and provide clear, evidence-based information that addresses specific concerns, ultimately helping to alleviate fears and encourage informed decision-making regarding vaccinations.

A report from the American Academy of Pediatrics explains the possible causes behind vaccine hesitancy and suggests ways to address different types of concerns.

The AAP also provides a variety of communication aids and guides to encourage conversations about vaccines.

To learn more, check out the ADL's March 15 Highlighted Resources:

Strategies for Improving Vaccine Communication and Uptake

AAP Immunization Communication Aids

• Hepatitis B vaccines are paid like other Part B preventive vaccines effective January 1, 2025.
• New claim-based payments for Part B preventive vaccines and their administration are effective July 1, 2025.  RHCs and FQHCs will need to annually reconcile payments with the facilities' actual vaccine and vaccine administration costs on their cost reports.

If you have not already, we encourage you to subscribe to the MLN Connects ® newsletter for more information and updates from CMS.

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) retroactively added two new CPT codes for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine administration to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule files effective for dates of service on and after October 6, 2023.

National Immunization Awareness Month is an annual observance held in August to highlight the importance of routine vaccination for people of all ages.

The FDA approved the first vaccine (brand name "Arexvy") to prevent infection with Respiratory Syncytial  Virus (RSV). 

You know how challenging it has been to ensure your patients have been kept up to date on their vaccines. As we all prepare for school to start, and the approach of flu season, take advantage of resources from CDC and others to help get everyone up to date!

National Influenza Vaccination Week is here! If you haven’t received a flu shot yet, there’s still time. People with certain chronic conditions are more likely to develop serious flu complications. Together, we can all #FightFlu. Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting a flu shot.

A new COVID-19 information website, specifically for teens [ncdhhs.gov] launched this week. As COVID-19 rates are rapidly increasing across the state, particularly in young people, this is a useful tool for encouraging vaccination.