People who want to register for a COVID-19 vaccine with Wake County Public Health no longer have to be on a waiting list and wait to be contacted.
Ryan Jury, Wake County’s lead vaccine, told WRAL News Friday that the website covid19.wakegov.com/vaccine now offers instant scheduling. All people have to do is sign up for a time, location, and vaccine brand.
Find vaccine information in every province, which is updated every weekday
“We have been able to catch up with requests,” said the jury. “So someone can come on our website today and schedule an appointment for the next seven days on one of our sites.”
People 16 and older can get a Pfizer vaccine, and people 18 and older can get a Moderna vaccine. Both vaccines require second doses, which are usually scheduled with the first dose appointments.
The use of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine is currently suspended in most state clinics according to a recommendation by U.S. health officials, who are investigating whether the injection may be linked to rare blood clotting disorders.
Wake County vaccinates adults 16 and older at PNC Arena, the Human Services Center on Departure Drive, the Wake County Public Health Center on Sunnybrook Road, and the Wake County Commons Building.
An increase in vaccine supply and a decrease in the number of people seeking an injection is also prompting other countries to change their vaccine notification systems.
In Durham County, Durham County’s Department of Public Health will discontinue its online scheduling system starting Monday and reopen phone lines for people who want vaccines. All community members 16 and older must call 919-560-HELP (4357) to make an appointment.
The change has been made due to an increase in vaccine supply, and organizers expect to be able to schedule individual appointments within a week.
Lee County also said fewer people are looking for vaccines, and as a result, massive drive-thru clinics will shut down on April 21. Instead, people can contact the Lee County Health Department to schedule an appointment at a smaller clinic.
Provinces 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 all reported a drop in demand.
Todd McGee, Orange County’s director of community relations, said he believes it’s because there are more places to stand a chance, such as pharmacies and grocery stores, but he also mentions hesitation about vaccines.
McGee said Orange County is trying to address vaccine hesitation by partnering with trusted community partners.
“The biggest group that we think is the problem are people like me, the middle-aged white boys, who, for whatever reason, are afraid of getting the vaccine or don’t think it’s necessary,” said McGee.
Wake County is the only county that WRAL News has contacted that does not see a problem with the question.