The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has announced its updated vaccination plan to align with new federal recommendations issued last week.
NCDHHS said the changes simplify the vaccine process and first protect healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19, people at greatest risk of hospitalization or death, and those at risk of COVID-19.
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“While there is still a lot to do, we are going to have a powerful tool in 2021 to stop these pandemic vaccines,” said Mandy Cohen, secretary of the NCDHHS. “However, as supplies are very limited, it will take several months for vaccines to become widely available. Until most people are vaccinated, everyone should continue to wear a mask, wait six feet apart and wash their hands.”
LOOK: Dr. Cohen explains the phases of vaccine vaccination in NC
Since vaccine supply is limited, states must make vaccine available in phases.
North Carolina’s updated plan is outlined below.
Current Phase – Phase 1a: Health workers fighting COVID-19 and long-term care workers and residents.
- Hospitals and local health departments vaccinate health workers who care for and work directly with patients with COVID-19 and those who give vaccines. In addition, the residents and staff for long-term care vaccinate the federal government.
Phase 1b: Adults 75 years and older and essential workers in the front line.
The next vaccination phase will begin in groups.
- Group 1: Everyone 75 years or older, regardless of medical condition or life situation. People do not have to have a chronic health condition.
- Group 2: Healthcare and essential workers who are 50 years of age or older.
- Group 3: Frontline workers of any age and health workers of any age, whether working directly with COVID-19 patients. This phase is expected to begin in early January.
The CDC defines essential workers at the forefront as first responders (firefighters, police), education (child care, teachers, support staff), manufacturing, correctional officers, public transportation, grocery stores, food and agriculture, and U.S. postal workers.
Phase 2: Adults at high risk for exposure and increased risk for serious diseases.
In this phase, vaccinations will also be opened in groups.
- Group 1: All 65-74 years, regardless of medical condition or life situation.
- Group 2: Everyone aged 16-64 years with a medical condition that increases the risk of serious diseases due to COVID-19.
- Group 3: All who are locked up or live in another nearby residential area, who have not yet been vaccinated due to age, medical condition or work function.
- Group 4: Essential workers as defined by the CDC who have not yet been vaccinated.
Phase 3: Students.
- Students from college, university and high school 16 years or older.
- Younger children will only be vaccinated if the vaccine has been approved for them.
Phase 4: Finally, anyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccine can get one.
More information from NCDHHS is available here.
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