Wendell, NC – North Carolina, which falls into Group 4, which includes people with certain underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes, may receive the first coronavirus vaccines starting Wednesday.
The subgroup of group 4 eligible on Wednesday includes people with high-risk medical conditions and homeless and incarcerated people who are not yet vaccinated.
Complete list: Who falls into group 4.
While many counties, including Wake County, are in scheduling-only systems, a first-come, first-served vaccination clinic will begin Wednesday at 8 a.m. at Corinth Holders High School at 6875 Applewhite Road in Wendell. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will be given to eligible people aged 16 and over.
Last week, another clinic at Johnston Community College ran out of vaccines just before the clinic opened, while cars lined up a few hours earlier to make sure they could get a shot. The lines are expected to be long again on Wednesday, especially since it is the first day people in group 4 can be vaccinated.
People who apply for vaccines may be asked if they have health conditions, but unlike other groups, they will not have to prove their eligibility. Many of the health conditions, including pregnancy, obesity and being a former or current smoker will be difficult to prove, so clinics operate on an honor system.
According to BMI computers, a person who weighs 5’5 and 150 kilograms would be considered overweight. Someone who weighs 5’10 and 175 kilograms 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.
Last week, Secretary of State for Health and Human Services Dr. Mandy Cohen said she expects vaccines to open for group 5, all adults who have not already been vaccinated, by May.
WRAL has compiled a list of phone numbers and websites to register for a vaccine in your county, although you are not required to obtain a vaccine in your county of residence. Some of the latest updates include:
Wake County: An online vaccination registration system is open to groups 1-4. After registration, people will be emailed when a meeting is available. Because the county is still working to register groups 1-3, people in group 4 may not receive an email until later this week, the county said.
Harnett County Health System will organize mass vaccination clinics on April 19, 26, 31 and 2. More information about schedules and locations can be found at myharnetthealth.org.
Robeson County vaccinate those from all eligible groups with appointments and accessories. To schedule an appointment in advance, call 910-671-3216, 910-671-3220 or 910-671-3255 or send a message that includes your name, phone number, date of birth and what qualifies you for the vaccine at covid19vaccine @ hth.co.robeson.nc.us.
Durham County began scheduling appointments for those in group 4 on Thursday and will begin vaccinating them on Wednesday, 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 makes records for a drive-thru clinic for the first dose of COVID-19 vaccinations to be administered at the Crown Complex. To make an appointment, go to co.cumberland.nc.us/covid19vaccine or call 910-678-7657.
In the Sampson County, Events for groups 1-4 are scheduled for March 17, 26 and 31 at the Sampson County Agri Expo Center, and a first-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 Wednesday. The rest of group 4 – any unvaccinated essential workers – becomes eligible on April 7. Appointments can be scheduled online in advance.
Lee County suspended registration of vaccines on Friday after an increase in interest from Group 4. “We will probably reopen registrations by phone and online, somewhere on Monday afternoon,” a spokesman said. Once registration reopens, individuals can call 919-842-5744 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or fill out an online pre-registration form, found at leecountync.gov/covid19.
Orange County told WRAL News that they have more than 20,000 names on a waiting list and as people in Group 4 register on Wednesday, they will be added.