Chatham County offers free rides to COVID-19 vaccine clinic

Around 200 people will get their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine in Chatham County on Monday.

Posted 10:49 a.m. Feb 1, 2021 — Updated 12:45 p.m. Feb 1, 2021

Kasey Cunningham

, WRAL reporter

PITTSBORO, N.C. — Around 200 people will get their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine in Chatham County on Monday.

Due to a limited supply, only people who made an appointment will be administered the vaccine. More than 10,000 residents in the county have expressed interest in the vaccine, but only hundreds can be vaccinated at a time.

The Chatham County Health Department has partnered with Chatham Transit to offer free rides to people who signed up for a vaccine but can't drive themselves.

Monday's appointment-only clinic will allow the county to schedule appointments based on supply. The process prevents people from waiting in long lines and ensures no one is turned away without a vaccine.

"We are trying to avoid those backups where folks wait five hours ... it’s not an ideal situation," said Chatham County Public Health Director Mike Zelek.

The county is expecting to get at least 200 more doses this week and is working to get another clinic scheduled.