Forsyth County is preparing to open COVID-19 vaccinations to people age 65 and older. But Public Health Director Joshua Swift says they may have to wait a while, given the overwhelming demand they've already seen.

“We are currently working through our 75 and over population," Swift said at a Thursday Board of Commissioners meeting. "And we will adjust and soon, hopefully in the next week or so, we'll be able to adjust so we can also start seeing those who are 65 and older.”

After vaccines became available to those 75 and older, the county fielded over 50,000 calls in three days from people seeking appointments. Since then, they have hired about 15 new staffers just to call back those who were put on hold. Swift says they are looking at ways to increase their capacity moving forward. 

“As we develop and improve our system and we open it up for people to call back in, there'll be an online option, which doesn't work for everyone, but also we'll still have that phone option," he said. 

Swift says currently, the county is able to vaccinate about 500 people per day at its clinic. He noted that more than 55,000 Forsyth County residents are over the age of 65.

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.