People waiting to register for a COVID-19 vaccine with Wake County Public Health no longer have to join a waiting list and wait to be contacted.
Ryan Jury, director of the Wake County Mass Vaccination Branch, told WRAL News on Friday that the website covid19.wakegov.com/vaccine now offers live programming. All people have to do is sign up for an hour, a location and a vaccine mark.
Look for vaccine information in each county, updated every day of the week
“We’ve been able to work through delayed applications,” the jury said. “Therefore, a person can come to our website today and make an appointment for the next seven days at any of our sites.”
People aged 16 and over can get a Pfizer vaccine and people aged 18 and over can get a Modern vaccine. Both vaccines require second doses, which are usually scheduled at the first appointments.
The use of the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine is currently on hold at most state clinics as recommended by U.S. health officials, who are investigating whether the shot could be related to rare blood clotting disorders.
Wake County vaccinates adults over the age of 16 at the PNC Arena, the Human Services Center at the exit of the unit, the Wake County Public Health Center on Sunnybrook Road, and the Wake County Common Building.
An increase in vaccine supply and a decrease in the number of people seeking shots is also causing other counties to change their vaccine registration systems.
In Durham County, starting Monday, the Durham County Department of Public Health will eliminate its online scheduling system and reopen phone lines for people who want vaccines. All community members over the age of 16 should call 919-560-HELP (4357) to make an appointment.
The change was made due to an increase in the supply of vaccines, and organizers hope to be able to schedule people for appointments within a week.
Lee County also said there are fewer people looking for vaccines, and as a result, mass driving clinics will stop on April 21st. Instead, people can contact the Lee County Health Department to make an appointment at a smaller clinic.
Counties with less demand for vaccines
Only a third of adults in North Carolina are fully vaccinated, but Durham, Franklin, Wayne, Johnston, Harnett and Orange counties have reported a decline in demand.
Todd McGee, Orange County’s director of community relations, said he believes it’s because there are more places to get shot, such as pharmacies and grocery stores, but he also cites hesitation.
McGee said Orange County is trying to address the hesitation by working with trusted community partners.
“The biggest group right now that we think is the problem are people like me, the middle-aged white guys who, for whatever reason, are afraid of getting the vaccine or don’t think it’s necessary,” McGee said.
Wake County is the only WRAL county that has been contacted and has no issues with demand.