Smithfield, NC – Another wave of people becomes eligible for a COVID vaccine next Wednesday – including 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 their appointments.
After Johnston County announced that it will include group 4 in a clinic first come, first served, first dose Friday afternoon, so many cars lined up Friday at Johnston Community College that organizers announced they had reached capacity before the scheduled start time of of the event, from 14:00
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.
People will not have to provide proof of health to register.
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.
WRAL has compiled a list of specific health conditions that make you eligible in Group 4.
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.
North Carolina will move to Group 4 a week earlier than planned. In Chatham County, more than 1,000 people pre-registered.
Health Director Michael Zelek said group 3 reservations are reserved. However, some counties, such as Johnston, Vance and Granville, have already started group 4 vaccination.
WRAL has developed a list of locations and contact information for places that administer COVID vaccines across the country.
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.