Nearly 3 million more people in North Carolina are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine as the state moved into Group 4 vaccinations Wednesday.
Starting on Wednesday, March 17, select members of Group 4 can schedule their appointment to receive the vaccine. People with pre-existing health conditions that put them at risk for catching COVID-19, as well as those experiencing homelessness are now eligible for the vaccine.
Asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease and obesity are among the select pre-existing conditions for Group 4. Smokers are also in Group 4, as well as any person who has smoked as least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime.
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Group 4 also includes front-line workers who weren't part of the Group 3 rollout. This includes retail and utility workers not previously vaccinated, but they'll have to wait until April 7 to schedule their appointment.
"This may be the majority of workers," Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of North Carolina DHHS, said. "At least half of adults in North Carolina have one of these high-risk conditions."
In Mecklenburg County, all available appointments were filled by 9:20 a.m. The county tweeted that as more vaccine supply is delivered, more appointments will become available. Until then, patients are encouraged to check with other health care providers for appointments or to join the county's waiting list. #COVID19 #Vaccine #NCpol
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