People hoping to register for a COVID-19 vaccine at Wake County Public Health no longer have to join a waiting list and wait to be contacted.
Ryan Jury, director of the Wake County Vaccination Branch, told WRAL News on Friday that the website, covid19.wakegov.com/vaccine, now offers live programming. All people have to do is sign up for an hour, a location and a brand of vaccine.
Find information about vaccines in each county, updated weekly
“We managed to resolve the arrears,” the jury said. “So a person could come to our website today and make an appointment for the next seven days at any of our sites.”
People aged 16 and over can get a Pfizer vaccine, and people aged 18 and over can get a Moderna vaccine. Both vaccines require a second dose, which are usually scheduled at the first dose.
The use of the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine is currently pending at most state clinics, on the recommendation of US health officials, who are investigating whether the shot could be linked to rare blood clotting disorders.
Wake County vaccinates adults over the age of 16 at the PNC Arena, the Departure Drive Human Services Center, the Wake County Public Health Center on Sunnybrook Road and the Wake County Commons building.
An increase in the supply of vaccines and a decrease in the number of people seeking vaccines are also causing other counties to change their vaccine registration systems.
In Durham County, starting Monday, the Durham County Department of Public Health will eliminate its online scheduling system and reopen phone lines for people who want vaccines. All community members aged 16 and over should call 919-560-HELP (4357) to schedule a meeting.
The change was made due to the increase in the vaccine supply, and the organizers expect to be able to schedule people for meetings within a week.
Lee County also said fewer people are looking for vaccines, and as a result, mass clinics will shut down on April 21st. Instead, people can contact the Lee County Health Department to make an appointment at a smaller clinic.
Counties that see less demand for vaccines
Only a third of adults in North Carolina are fully vaccinated, but Durham, Franklin, Wayne, Johnston, Harnett and Orange counties have seen a drop in demand.
Todd McGee, Orange County’s director of community relations, said he believes there are more places to get a chance, such as pharmacies and grocery stores, but also cites the vaccine’s hesitation.
McGee said Orange County is trying to resolve the vaccine’s hesitation by working with trusted community partners.
“The biggest group right now, which we think is the problem, are people like me, middle-aged white boys, who, for whatever reason, are afraid of getting the vaccine or don’t think it’s necessary,” McGee said.
Wake County is the only WRAL News county contacted that does not see a problem with the application.