The availability of COVID-19 vaccine continues to spread in North Carolina.
On Wednesday, WRAL News announced that Governor Roy Cooper will expand access to a fourth group of the population, those with high-risk conditions such as diabetes, asthma and heart disease. Group 4 also includes those who are overweight and obese – a factor that has been linked to more serious diseases with COVID.
Some counties already vaccinate those people or reserve appointments.
In the Johnston County On Friday, so many people lined up for a first-come, first-served, first-dose clinic at Johnston Community College that organizers announced they had reached capacity before the scheduled start time of the event at 2 p.m .: 00.
Robeson County vaccinated those from all eligible groups on Friday without expectations, a county health spokeswoman told WRAL News. “We don’t have a waiting list,” she said. “Schedules and accessories are accepted for all vaccination groups. To schedule an appointment, call 910-671-3216, 910-671-3220, or 910-671-3255.
Robeson County also accepts email scheduling requests. Send a message with your name, phone number, date of birth and what qualifies you for the vaccine to [email protected].
Durham County began scheduling appointments for those in group 4 on Thursday and will begin vaccinating them on March 17, according to a press release.
In the Chatham County, more than 1,000 people in group 4 have already registered for their vaccination schedules.
Cumberland County will begin recording at 5:00 p.m. Friday for a drive-thru clinic for the first dose of COVID-19 vaccinations that will take place on Saturday, March 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Crown Complex. To make an appointment, go to co.cumberland.nc.us/covid19vaccine or call 910-678-7657.
Wake County plans to open its online vaccination registration system for those in Group 4 affected by the governor’s decision on or before March 17, said spokeswoman Stacy Beard.
“We have managed to deliver, on average, more than 10,000 first doses a week, so we are optimistic about this progress through the eligible groups,” Beard said in an email to WRAL News, noting that people who have registered online are getting a scheduled vaccination meeting in less than a week, on average.
In the Sampson County, clinics scheduled on or after March 17 will include those in Group 4. The county has events scheduled for March 17, 26 and 31 at the Sampson County Agri Expo Center and an initial dose clinic only on March 24 at Charles E. Perry School.
Wayne County will begin vaccinating those in group 4 with pre-existing health conditions on March 17. The rest of group 4 – any unvaccinated essential workers – becomes eligible on April 7. Appointments can be scheduled online in advance.
WRAL has compiled a list of specific health conditions that make you eligible in group 4. People will not have to provide proof of health status to register.
For example, a person who is 5’5 and 150 kilograms would be considered overweight. Someone who is 5’10 and 175 pounds would also be considered overweight and will qualify for a vaccine. If you are not sure whether or not you qualify for a vaccine based on your weight, take a look at a BMI computer to see if you fall into the overweight or obese category.
Smokers are also included in group 4. The term “smoker” is defined as smoking 100 cigarettes in a lifetime.
Some have expressed concern about the inclusion of smokers – but Holland said patients suffering from any kind of lung injury can get worse if they are diagnosed with COVID.
An NC county opens appointments for group 5
Onslow County is temporarily opening Group 5 appointments – but will not receive priority over anyone in Group 4. However, if they have extra doses, adults in Group 5 could make an appointment.
People in group 5 can call 910-989-5027. They can enter a list and when the slots open, they will receive a call back. This is to make sure that their doses are not wasted, according to the guidelines.