Availability of the COVID-19 vaccine continues to spread in North Carolina.
On Wednesday, WRAL News made the news that Governor Roy Cooper would expand access to a fourth group of the population, those at high risk, such as diabetes, asthma and heart disease. Group 4 also includes overweight and obese people – a factor associated with COVID with more serious illness.
Some provinces already vaccinate those people or book appointments for them.
In 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 their capacity before the event’s scheduled start time at 2pm.
Robeson County vaccinated those in all eligible groups on Friday without waiting, a county spokeswoman told WRAL News. “We don’t have a waiting list,” she said. Appointments and walk-ins 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 appointment requests by email. 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 grade 4 on Thursday and will begin vaccinating them on March 17, according to a press release.
In Chatham County, more than 1,000 people in group 4 have already signed up for their vaccination appointments.
Cumberland County begins Friday at 5:00 pm with registrations for a drive-thru clinic for the first dose of COVID-19 vaccinations on Saturday, March 20 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm 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 record system to those in Group 4 affected by the governor’s decision on or before March 17, spokeswoman Stacy Beard said.
“We have been able to administer more than 10,000 first doses per week on average, so we are optimistic about this progress among the eligible groups,” Beard said in an email to WRAL News, noting that people who registered online , get a scheduled vaccination appointment in less than a week on average.
In Sampson County, clinics scheduled on or after March 17 include Group 4. The county has events scheduled on March 17, 26, and 31 at the Sampson County Agri Expo Center, and a first-dose clinic on March 24 in Charles E. Perry School.
Wayne County begins on March 17 to vaccinate those in Group 4 with pre-existing health problems. The rest of Group 4 – all unvaccinated essential workers – will be eligible by April 7. Appointments can be scheduled online in advance.
WRAL has compiled a list of specific health conditions that make you eligible for grade 4. People do not need to show proof of a health condition to register.
For example, a person who is 5’5 and 150 pounds would be considered overweight. Someone who is 5’10 and 175 pounds would also be considered overweight and a candidate for a vaccine. If you are unsure whether you qualify for a vaccine based on your weight, check a BMI calculator to see if you fall into the overweight or obese category.
Smokers are also in group 4. The term ‘smoker’ is defined as 100 cigarettes smoked during your lifetime.
Some have expressed concern about the admission of smokers – but Holland said patients with any form of lung damage could make things worse if they are diagnosed with COVID.
An NC province opens appointments for Group 5
Onslow County is currently opening group 5 appointments – but they will not be given priority over anyone in group 4. However, if they are given additional doses, adults in group 5 can make an appointment.
Group 5 people can call the hotline at 910-989-5027. They can get on a list and when slots are opened they are called back. This is to make sure their doses are not lost, according to the guidelines.