What is the latest on Vaccine availability in NC?

By Cash Michaels

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for COVID-19 have been out several weeks now, and just over 4. 5 million people across the nation have taken their first dose thus far.

But what is the status of vaccine treatment now in North Carolina, and how soon will it be before communities of color - which have suffered up to three times as much as their white counterparts from the coronavirus - receive their dose?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of Monday, January 4h, North Carolina is one of seven states that have vaccinated fewer than 1000 people per every100,000.

The CDC also notes that North Carolina ranked among the tenth lowest for vaccine distribution.

Part of the problem with both vaccination and distribution is the considerable degree of confusion associated. Some community health centers have designated those 75 and older to be the among the first to be inoculated. Some areas designate those in long-term care facilities to be the first to receive shots.

Confusion comes when those not sure of their status show up to receive shots, only to be turned away. Many say they try to call numerous times before coming, in many cases being able to reach anybody because of phone problems.

Local health centers are still trying to coordinate with doctors and health specialists as to how and when to schedule vaccinations.

There is general agreement that the frequency of vaccinations is nowhere where it needs to be if CDC goals are to be met for complete inoculation by this time next year.

And as for communities of color, the NC Dept. of Health and Human Services ‘…has a specific focus building trust with historically marginalized populations,” the agency says. “Longstanding and continuing racial and ethnic injustices in our health care system contribute to lack of trust in vaccines. The Department is partnering with trusted leaders and organizations to provide accurate information about the vaccine.