FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 16, 2021
“Now that spring is here and summer approaches everyone wants to have fun and spend time together as we hope for a return to normalcy. That being said, don’t let your guard down with the thinking that COVID-19 is going away and getting vaccinated is not as urgent now. That is NOT the case. Here in Haywood County, there are numerous ways you can sign up to be vaccinated with several providers to choose from. Health and Human Services offers free vaccine clinics each week and will continue to do so. Taking a few minutes of your day to sign up on our website and schedule to be vaccinated is quick and easy. Do so today to protect yourself, and your community,” said Haywood County Vaccine Coordinator Garron Bradish.
Johnson & Johnson vaccine distribution pause:
In line with the guidance issued this week from the FDA, CDC, and the NCDHHS, Haywood County is pausing the distribution of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, pending further guidance.
From NCDHHS: "Our primary concern is the health and safety of all North Carolinians. Out of an abundance of caution, we are following the recommendations of the FDA and CDC and have paused the administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine until we learn more. The safety system in place is working as it should.”
At this time Haywood County HHS does not have anyone scheduled for a Johnson & Johnson vaccine, however, If you have an appointment for Pfizer or Moderna, please go to your appointment as planned.
Advice for those who have already had the Johnson & Johnson vaccine:
If you have received the J&J COVID-19 vaccine and develop a severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination, contact your healthcare provider, or seek medical care.
Report adverse events following receipt of any COVID-19 vaccine to VAERS at https://vaers.hhs.gov/
Where to find COVID-19 vaccine information:
For vaccine appointment or appointment questions call: 828-356-2019, Option 1.
Please do not call the health department’s main number for COVID-19 vaccination questions, use the hotline number instead.
For general COVID-19 information visit https://www.haywoodcountync.gov/684/COVID-19-Information
Vaccinations by the numbers:
Total first shots given so far: 22,829*
*Data source: NCDHHS Vaccination Dashboard, ‘All Programs’ dataset.
First shots given this week at Haywood County drive-through events: 900+
Percent vaccinated with at least one shot: 36.6 %
Currently vaccinating:
Book Your Vaccine Appointment: https://myspot.nc.gov/ — Multiple appointments available in each time slot.
By Phone: 828-356-2019 (hours of operation for the phone line are Monday - Friday 8 a.m - 5 pm..)
Vaccination capacity: The county expects to receive an allotment of 600 Moderna doses this coming week.
Vaccination groups completed:
Long term care facility residents and staff
Hospital and doctor’s office staff
Health Department, Emergency Services, and Vaccine Clinic staff
County and municipal critical staff
Haywood residents ages 75+
Haywood residents 65+
Haywood County educators
First dose appointments:
Do not book initial dose appointments if you cannot commit to being available on the day your second dose should be given. Second doses are due 21 days later for Pfizer later or 28 days later for Moderna. 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.
Second dose information:
After vaccination:
For most people, full immunity potential is reached about two weeks after receiving the second dose of either Pfizer or Moderna. For J&J vaccine, the full benefit is reached 4 weeks after the single dose.
It is important to continue wearing masks and following other COVID protocols even after immunity is reached.
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
The vaccine will be provided free of charge to everyone that wants it.
For the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, two doses are needed for maximum immunity.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only one dose.
There is no vaccine mandate.
Continuing the 3Ws will be critical until the vaccine is widely taken
Summary of Key Updates this week:
Distribution of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is paused pending further guidance from the FDA & CDC.
Even as more people are vaccinated, please remember that despite your vaccination status, it is important to continue mask-wearing to prevent the ongoing spread of COVID-19 and its new variants.
When booking online using the new appointment scheduling system, please note that although it may not appear so, there are many appointments available for each time slot.
