Wendell, NC – North Carolina people who fall into grade 4, including people with certain underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes, can receive their first coronavirus vaccines starting Wednesday.
The Group 4 subgroup eligible on Wednesday includes people with high-risk medical conditions and the homeless and incarcerated people who have not yet been vaccinated.
Full list: who falls under group 4
Although appointments-only have been made in many counties, including Wake County, a first-come, first-served vaccination clinic opens Wednesday at 8 a.m. The Pfizer BioNTech vaccine will be administered to eligible persons 16 years of age and older.
Last week, another drive-thru clinic at Johnston Community College was without vaccines, even before the clinic opened, as cars lined up hours too early to be sure they could get an injection. The lines are expected to be long again on Wednesday, especially since it is the first day that people in group 4 can get vaccinated.
People who show up for vaccines may be asked if they have any health problems, but unlike other groups, they don’t have to prove their eligibility. Many of the health problems, including pregnancy, obesity, and being a former or current smoker, will be difficult to prove, so the clinics run on an honor system.
According to BMI calculators, a person of 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.
Last week, Secretary of State for Health and Human Services, Dr. Mandy Cohen, she expects vaccines to open to Group 5, all adults who have not yet been vaccinated, by May.
WRAL has compiled a list of phone numbers and websites to sign up for a vaccine in your state, although you don’t need to get a vaccine in the country where you live. Some of the most recent updates are:
Wake County: An online vaccination registration system is open to those in groups 1-4. After registration, people will receive an email when there is an appointment for them. Because the province is still registering groups 1-3, people in group 4 may not receive an email until later this week, the province said.
Harnett County Health System will hold mass vaccination clinics on March 19, 26, 31 and April 2. More information about times and locations can be found at myharnetthealth.org.
Robeson County vaccinates those in all eligible groups with appointments and walk-ins. To schedule an appointment in advance, call 910-671-3216, 910-671-3220 or 910-671-3255 or send a message with your name, phone number, date of birth and what qualifies you for the covid19vaccine vaccine @ hth.co. robeson.nc.us.
Durham County began scheduling appointments for those in Group 4 on Thursday and will begin vaccinating on Wednesday, according to a press release.
In Chatham CountyMore than 1,000 people in group 4 have already signed up for their vaccination appointments.
Cumberland County accepts registrations for a drive-thru clinic for the first dose of COVID-19 vaccinations administered at the Crown Complex. To make an appointment, go to co.cumberland.nc.us/covid19vaccine or call 910-678-7657.
In Sampson County, groups 1-4 events are scheduled on March 17, 26, and 31 at the Sampson County Agri Expo Center, and a first-dose-only clinic on March 24 at the Charles E. Perry School.
Wayne County will begin vaccinating those in grade 4 with pre-existing health problems on Wednesday. The remainder of Group 4 – all unvaccinated essential workers – will be eligible by April 7. Appointments can be scheduled online in advance.
Lee County put vaccine registrations on hold Friday after a wave of interest from Group 4. “We will probably reopen registrations by phone and online sometime Monday afternoon,” a spokesman said. Once registration is reopened, individuals can call 919-842-5744 Monday through Friday from 8am to 4:30 pm or complete an online pre-registration form found at leecountync.gov/covid19.
Orange Country told WRAL News they have more than 20,000 names on a waiting list, and if Group 4 people register on Wednesday, they will be added.