With the recent rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations, many people in the Triad area are wondering, ‘When's my turn?' A WFDD listener in Summerfield asks: “Where do I get the COVID-19 vaccine? I am over 75 and anxious to get the ‘jab.'"
For this edition of Carolina Curious, reporter David Ford has more on where things stand right now.
So far, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's advice on priorities for the vaccine have been in flux. But county officials are already rolling out the vaccine for the 75 and older population across the state.
North Carolina Institute of Medicine Project Director Brieanne Lyda-McDonald says the situation is evolving.
“The recent guidance from the federal government would lower that to 65, however, North Carolina and all other states apply these guidelines in different ways,” says Lyda-McDonald. “So, over the coming days we're going to be hearing from the Department of Health and Human Services in North Carolina to find out how they're applying that guidance.”
Because vaccine supplies are currently very limited, seniors 75 and older may have to wait a little while. They'll likely need to make an appointment with their local health department or hospital. Those seeking a COVID-19 vaccination can search online by zip code on the NC Department of Health and Human Services “find your spot” website, or call their toll-free number.
Lyda-McDonald says frontline health care workers have been in the highest prioritization group.
“If they are in contact with patients who are known to have COVID-19 or have risk of contact with those patients, many of those workers have already been vaccinated or are in the process of being vaccinated still,” she says. “And none of the prioritization for that worker-group will be changed.”
As of January 13, North Carolina lagged behind most other states in the number of vaccines administered thus far with roughly 2,500 out of every 100,000 people.
For the most up-to-date information on coronavirus in North Carolina, visit our Live Updates blog here. WFDD wants to hear your stories — connect with us and let us know what you're experiencing.