Raleigh, NC After Wake County watched long queues for COVID-19 vaccination opportunities across the state, Wake County outlined how eligible residents can register for their shots.
From January 14, people in phases 1 and 2 – health workers and everyone aged 65 and over – will be eligible to receive the vaccine in North Carolina. The vaccine is distributed by provincial health departments and some major hospital systems, each with a different process.
In Wake County, registration begins on Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 8:30 a.m. by phone or online for those eligible.
“This is not a first-come-first-served process,” said Dr. Jason Wittes, director of pharmacies in Wake County, said. “We determine the order of appointments based on risk and need, so people do not have to worry about being the first person to call our telephone line or visit our online tool at exactly 08:30 on Tuesday.”
Alan Lovett, 65, is ready for his shot. “You have a choice,” he said, “you can take your chance to get COVID or take a chance on the vaccine and feel normal again.”
Register for vaccination
From Jan. 19 at 8:30 a.m. (and not before), anyone can call the Wake County vaccination hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The telephone number is 919-250-1515.
Callers will be asked if they have a primary care physician, and what their name, phone number, and email address are. They will then be added to the Wake County COVID-19 waiting list for vaccinations.
As the provinces receive doses, those on the waiting list will be notified by phone, email or text message, and they will then have the opportunity to schedule an appointment, by phone or online.
COVID-19 Vaccinations in NC
Wake County vaccination online portal
From January 19 at 08:30 (and not before), people can visit wakegov.com/vaccine to submit their personal information.
Visitors will fill in information about who is eligible for vaccine, whether they have a primary care physician and provide personal information, including name, phone number and email address. They will then be added to the Wake County COVID-19 waiting list for vaccinations.
As the provinces receive doses, those on the waiting list will be notified by phone, email or text message, and they will then have the opportunity to schedule an appointment, by phone or online.
According to Wittes, there are more than 200,000 people in the province who are eligible in phases 1 and 2 – 50,000 health workers and 133,000 elderly people aged 65 and older. He expects about 2,300 of them will be able to get the first of two doses next week.
“We do not want our seniors to stand out in the cold and wait hours to be vaccinated against this dangerous virus,” said Matt Calabria, chairman of the Wake County Council. “This new system allows them to schedule an appointment when it’s their turn so they know exactly when and where they will be shot.”
As they get their first shots, people will also get a ticket with the appointment for the second dose – 21 days later for Pfizer and 28 days later for Moderna. The district health department will also send a reminder to each individual when their second dose is due.
Duke Raleigh, UNC Health, UNC Wakebrook and WakeMed Health and Hospitals also donate vaccines.