North Carolinians Should Get Fall COVID Vaccines, Per Health Officials

North Carolina is currently experiencing a slight but worrying surge in COVID cases, according to the North Carolina Respiratory Virus Dashboard. With this in mind, health officials are encouraging all North Carolinians age six months and older to get their fall COVID-19 vaccines along with their flu shot to help slow its spread.

In a recent news release, NCDHHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson elaborated on the reasoning behind this increased urgency in getting people vaccinated. "Like the annual flu shot, the fall COVID-19 vaccine provides the most up-to-date protection against the COVID-19 virus and will help us prepare for seasonal viruses that disrupt our lives," Dr. Tilson said. "We encourage everyone to talk with a health care provider about all recommended vaccines. Protect your family so you can enjoy the activities, sports, school and time with loved ones this fall and winter."

Health officials suggest that North Carolina citizens who are eligible to receive the vaccine should try to get theirs before the end of October to ensure optimal results. Most insurance plans cover the COVID-19 vaccines at no cost. The state will also receive a limited supply of free vaccines for uninsured or underinsured adults as well.

If you're able to get the jab, I strongly encourage you to do so as soon as possible. Although the rise in COVID cases is nowhere near the levels it was two or three years ago, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging people in the Tarheel state to take preventative precautions to ward off the spread of new COVID variants. This is especially crucial this time of year when illnesses like the flu are also running rampant.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, please visit MySpot.nc.gov. You can also call the CDC-INFO Contact Center at 800-CDC-INFO.

Summer nights are the perfect time to cruise down and catch a movie from your local North Carolina drive-in movie theater. Drive-in theaters invoke a feeling of nostalgia for summer days gone by, with popcorn and fireflies aplenty.

Once upon a time, they were plentiful and dotted the landscape in most rural American towns, however many have since closed their lots.

"There are currently only about 330 drive-in theaters that remain in operation in the United States compared to a peak of about 4,000 in the late 1950’s," the online resource DriveInMovie.com said. "There are many reasons for the decline of the number of drive-in theaters. But one thing is certain – we must support remaining drive-ins to prevent their closure to maintain this truly unique experience that is an American as homemade apple pie."

But don't despair! There are still some fully functioning drive-in theaters up and running North Carolina. Some of them are airing special Halloween features in the next month or so. And a couple even have the special Taylor Swift Eras Tour movie coming up in October.

That makes for a lot of fun opportunities as the weather cools down, and your nostalgia heats up. Enjoy these North Carolina drive-in movie theaters.

Eden Drive In
$7 per adult and $5 per child ages 6-11
Be mindful, this theater is Cash Only!
106 Fireman Club Rd, Eden, NC 27288
Phone number: 336-623-9669

https://www.raleighroaddrivein.com/

Address: 3336 Raleigh Road Henderson, NC 27537

Ticket prices: General Admissions: $10, Children 3-11 years old: $7, Under 3: Free

Time: Gates Open at 6 p.m.

Phone number: 252-438-6959

Badin Road Drive-in

Address: 2411 Badin Rd, Albemarle, NC, United States, North Carolina

Ticket prices: CASH ONLY- $7 per person 12 and up, $5 per child age. Check their Facebook page for price changes.

Time: Gates open at 6:30 p.m.

Phone number: 704-983-2900

http://www.badinroaddrivein.com/

Address: 3851 Dothan Road, Tabor City, North Carolina 28463

Ticket Prices: Adult $11.50, Children $7.50

Time: Gates open at 7:30 p.m.

Phone Number: 910-499-1756

https://statelinemovietime.com/