Wendell, NC North Carolinas who fall under group 4, which includes people with certain underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes, can start their first coronavirus vaccinations from Wednesday.
The eligible subgroup of group 4 on Wednesday includes those with high-risk medical conditions and homeless and imprisoned people who have not yet been vaccinated.
Complete list: Who falls under Group 4.
While many counties, including Wake County, are only under appointment systems, a first-in-first-class vaccination clinic will begin at 8 a.m. at Corinth Holders High School at 68W Applewhite Road in Wendell. The Pfizer BioNTech vaccine will be administered to people 16 years of age and older.
Last week, the vaccines at Johnston Community College ran out in another drive-through clinic even before the clinic opened, as cars lined up hours early to make sure they got a chance. The line is expected to last a long time again, especially since this is the first day that people in Group 4 can be vaccinated.
People who turn up for vaccines may be asked if they have health conditions, but unlike other groups, they do not have to prove their fitness. Many of the health conditions, including pregnancy, obesity and being a former or current smoker, are difficult to prove. The clinics therefore operate on a system of honor.
According to BMI calculators, a person weighing 5’5 and 150 pounds is considered overweight. Someone who weighs 5’10 and 175 pounds will also be considered overweight and qualify for a vaccine. If you are not sure if you are eligible for a vaccine based on your weight, look at a BMI calculator to see if you fall into the overweight or obese category.
Smokers are also included in Group 4. The term ‘smoker’ is defined as having smoked 100 cigarettes in your lifetime.
Last week, the Secretary of State for Health and Human Services, dr. Mandy Cohen, said she expects vaccines to open by May 5, all adults who have not yet been vaccinated.
WRAL has compiled a list of telephone numbers and websites to register for a vaccine in your country, although you do not have to take a vaccine in your country. Some of the most recent updates include:
Wake County: An online vaccination registration system is open to those in Groups 1-4. After registration, people will be emailed when an appointment is available to them. As the province is still registering Groups 1-3, people in Group 4 may not receive an email until later this week, the province said.
Harnett County Health System hold massive vaccination clinics on 19, 26, 31 and 2 March. More information about times and places can be found at myharnetthealth.org.
Robeson county is vaccinating those in all eligible groups with appointments and walk-ins. To schedule an appointment, call 910-671-3216, 910-671-3220, or 910-671-3255 or send a message with your name, phone number, date of birth and what you are eligible for the covid19vaccine vaccine @ hth.co.robeson.nc.us.
Durham county began planning appointments for those in Group 4 on Thursday and will begin vaccination on Wednesday, according to a news release.
In Chatham county, more than 1 000 people in Group 4 have already registered for their vaccination appointments.
Cumberland county take registrations for a transit clinic for the first dose of COVID-19 vaccinations to be administered at the Crown complex. To make an appointment, go to co.cumberland.nc.us/covid19vaccine or call 910-678-7657.
In Sampson county, the events for Groups 1-4 are scheduled for March 17, 26 and 31 at Sampson County Agri Expo Center, and a first-dose clinic on March 24 at Charles E. Perry School.
Wayne County will vaccinate those in Group 4 with existing health conditions on Wednesday. The rest of Group 4 – any unsolicited essential workers – will be eligible on April 7th. Appointments can be scheduled online in advance.
Lee county puts the registration of vaccines in check on Friday after an increase in interest from Group 4. “We will probably reopen the registration on Monday afternoon by telephone and online,” a spokesperson said. Once registration is reopened, individuals can call 919-842-5744 Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or fill out a pre-registration form online at leecountync.gov/covid19.
Orange county told WRAL News that they have more than 20,000 names on a waiting list, and since group 4 people register on Wednesday, it will be added.