Raleigh, North Carolina – After seeing long lines during COVID-19 vaccination events across the state, Wake County set out Friday how eligible residents can sign up for their shots.
As of Jan. 14, people in Phases 1 and 2 (health care workers and anyone 65 and older) can get the vaccine in North Carolina. The vaccine is being distributed by county health departments and some large hospital systems, and each has a different process.
In Wake County, registration will begin Tuesday, Jan. 19, at 8:30 a.m., by phone or online, for those who meet the requirements.
“This is not a first service arrival process,” Dr. Jason Wittes, Wake County Pharmacy Director. “We determine the order of appointments based on risk and need, so people don’t have to worry about being the first person to call our phone line or visit our online tool precisely at 8 p.m. : 30 in the morning. “
Alan Lovett, 65, is ready for his shot. “You can choose,” he said, “You can take the chance to get COVID or risk the vaccine and get back to the feeling of normalcy.”
Registration for vaccination
Starting at 8:30 a.m. on January 19 (and not earlier), anyone can call the Wake County Public Health Vaccination Hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The phone number is 919-250-1515.
Callers will be asked if they are eligible, if they have a primary care physician and for their name, phone number and email address. They will then be added to the Wake County COVID-19 vaccine waiting list.
As the county gets dosed, those on the waiting list will be notified by phone, email, or text message, and then will have the opportunity to schedule an appointment, by phone or online.
COVID-19 vaccines in NC
Wake County Vaccine Online Portal
From 8:30 a.m. on January 19 (and not earlier), people can visit wakegov.com/vaccine to submit their personal information
Visitors will fill out information about vaccine eligibility, whether they have a primary care physician, and provide personal information, including name, phone number, and email address. They will then be added to the Wake County COVID-19 vaccine waiting list.
As the county receives doses, those on the waiting list will be notified by phone, email, or text message, and then will have the opportunity to schedule an appointment, by phone or online.
Wittes estimates there are more than 200,000 people in the county eligible for Phase 1 and 2: 50,000 health workers and 133,000 people age 65 and older. He expects about 2,300 of them to be able to get the first of the doses they get next week.
“We don’t want our seniors to stand out from the cold, waiting for hours to get vaccinated against this dangerous virus,” said Matt Calabria, chairman of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. “This new system will allow them to schedule an appointment when it’s their turn, so they’ll know exactly when and where to shoot.”
As they receive the first shots, people will also get a card with an appointment for the second dose: 21 days later for Pfizer and 28 days later for Moderna. The county health department will also send a reminder to each individual when their second dose expires.
Duke Raleigh, UNC Health, UNC Wakebrook and WakeMed Health and Hospitals are also administering vaccines.