FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Feb. 19, 2021
Where to find COVID-19 vaccine information:
Vaccinations by the numbers:
First shots given: 8,882*
*This does not include those vaccinated at long-term care facilities, the VA, or through local pharmacies or health care offices.
Estimated total population vaccinated with at least one dose: 10,500
First shots given this week at drive-through events: 425
Currently vaccinating:
Currently registering: Haywood residents ages 65 and up
To register online visit: haywoodcountync.gov/vaccine
or by phone at 828-356-2019 (hours of operation for the phone line are Monday - Friday 8 a.m - 5 pm..)
Vaccination groups completed:
Long term care facility residents and staff
Hospital and doctor’s office staff
Health Department, Emergency Services, and Vaccine Clinic staff
Vaccination groups nearing completion:
Looking ahead:
Group 3 - Teachers and Frontline Workers — Governor Roy Cooper has decreed that North Carolina can move to Group 3 Frontline Essential Workers on February 24. While acknowledging that the vaccine supply is still very limited and the population of frontline essential workers is so large, the state has advised vaccinating those working in child care or in PreK – 12 schools first starting on February 24, then moving other frontline essential workers on March 10.
What to know in Haywood County — “With a very limited supply of vaccine and a large senior population yet to be vaccinated, Haywood County will do our best to begin incorporating this new group of eligible citizens into the vaccination efforts while still vaccinating those 65 and older. Plans for how to do this in Haywood County are underway, but not finalized as of this press release,” said Bradish.
Vaccination capacity: Vaccine capacity over the next week has increased slightly. For the past few weeks, the total allotment between the health department and the hospital had been 400 doses, this week it will go up to 600, 400 for the health department and 200 to the hospital. The partnership for disbursement will continue with all doses being administered through mass vaccination events.
Accepting First Dose Appointment:
Time and location details for first dose appointments will go out through an automated phone/text/email system.
Do not accept the appointment for the initial dose if you cannot commit to being available on the day your second dose should be given. Second doses are due 21 days or 28 days after the first dose, depending on the vaccine given, which we will not know until the day of the clinic. If you plan to be out of town or having a scheduled surgery or some other conflict you should wait and not start the vaccine until you can receive all doses here in Haywood County, on time.
If you decline an appointment, your name remains on the list to be called for a future first dose clinic. You do not have to pre-register again.
Second dose information:
Over 700 people received second doses this week, completing their COVID-19 vaccination regimen. For most people, full immunity potential is reached about two weeks after receiving the second dose. It is important to continue wearing masks and following other COVID protocols even after immunity is reached.
Second doses are allocated separately dependant on the number of first doses given. So far, second dose allocations appear to be arriving right on schedule and we anticipate no issues here.
The second appointment dates for Moderna are due 28 days after the initial dose. Appointments for Pfizer are due 21 days after the initial dose. (If you have been vaccinated already, your second appointment date can be found on the back of your vaccine card.)
Time and location details for second appointments will go out via the same phone system through which you received your first appointment.
Organizations dispensing vaccine*:
Haywood County Health and Human Services
Haywood Regional Medical Center (partnering with HHSA for distribution)
Blue Ridge Community Health
New this week: Walgreens with 100 doses per location
*All organizations are offering vaccinations by appointment only.
Mass Vaccination Clinics:
Haywood County Health and Human Services, Haywood County Emergency Services, and Haywood Regional Medical Center are partnering on the weekly vaccine clinics.
The clinics serve those on the pre-registry list who have been contacted with an appointment time and are NOT open to the public or to walk-ins.
Instructions on how to participate will be given when appointment times are scheduled.
About 425 people received their first shots at mass clinic events this week in Haywood.
Huge thanks to all the volunteers, churches, and individuals who contribute to the success of these events. To be considered for a volunteer position, please visit: https://terms.ncem.org/TRS/ and follow the directions on the site.
“The Health Department’s successful partnership with Haywood Regional Medical Center and EMS continues to enable the county to maximize its vaccination efforts. Every dose we receive is being administered before the end of each week. Your patience is appreciated as we work to vaccinate everyone who wants to be. It is also important to remember to continue mask-wearing, even after vaccination,” said Interim Health Director Garron Bradish.
To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and the prioritization goals visit: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines
At each step of the way, Haywood County Health and Human Services is committed to providing updates and guidance to make sure that everyone who wants to be vaccinated will have their chance.
Key Points about the COVID-19 vaccine:
The vaccine is tested, safe, and effective
You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine
There will be limited availability at first and more widely available over time.
The vaccine will be provided free of charge to everyone that wants it.
Two doses are needed for maximum immunity.
There is no vaccine mandate.
Continuing the 3Ws will be critical until the vaccine is widely taken
