FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 28, 2021
Looking ahead:
For those who received their first dose of Pfizer at HCC on May 19, your second dose will be given on June 9, again at HCC. Anyone who wishes to get the first dose of Pfizer can also do so at the June 9 clinic, which will be held from 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Walk-In, no appointment needed vaccination:
All three vaccines Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson are now available on a walk-in basis at the health department (157 Paragon Pkwy #800, Clyde, NC 28721). Pfizer is available as the only approved vaccine for children ages 12-17, and Johnson & Johnson is a great option for those looking for a single-dose vaccine.
Anyone 18+ can choose the vaccine they prefer.
COVID-19 vaccine walk-in clinic hours are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Vaccinating everyone ages 12 and up.
Local pharmacies are also offering no-appointment walk-in vaccination. Visit https://myspot.nc.gov/ for locations.
“We want to encourage anyone who is ready to be vaccinated to choose any of the convenient walk-in options throughout the county and get vaccinated today. Vaccination remains our best option for minimizing the risk of getting COVID-19 and for preventing serious complications. Even if you’ve already had COVID, it is a good idea to get vaccinated to prevent reinfection down the road,” said Haywood County Health Director Sarah Henderson.
Contact Tracing Concerns: Contact tracers continue to have a difficult time reaching people who may be close contacts of a positive COVID-19 case. This is not a new problem, but part of an ongoing issue that makes the work of public health trying to support those who may be exposed that much more difficult. Answering the phone and participating fully if contacted about a COVID exposure is the right thing to do. Every call is confidential and helps us all stay safer in the long run. It is also vital information for emergency services to be able to provide appropriate care, should it become necessary.
Where to find additional COVID-19 vaccine information:
For vaccine appointment questions or help 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: 27,271*
*Data source: NCDHHS Vaccination Dashboard, ‘All Programs’ dataset.
Percent vaccinated with at least one shot: 43.8 %
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..)
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 Johnson & Johnson - Janssen vaccine, the full benefit is reached 4 weeks after the single dose, there is no second shot required.
CDC Mask Guidance Update: Fully vaccinated people have the option to resume activities without wearing masks or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
It is important to continue wearing a face-covering particularly indoors, and around crowds even outdoors, and around others not fully vaccinated or who may be at high risk if they were to get COVID-19
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:
Please do not hesitate to answer the call if you are contacted by the health department about COVID exposure and be sure to fully cooperate. We need everyone to do their part to keep each other safe.
All 3 COVID vaccines are now available on a walk-in basis at the health department.
Fully vaccinated people have the option to resume activities without wearing masks or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
