People line up for shots as all NC adults eligible

Wednesday was a big day in North Carolina: the first day anybody 16 or older who wanted a coronavirus vaccine shot could get one.

Posted 8:31 a.m. Apr 7, 2021 — Updated 11:11 p.m. Apr 7, 2021

Gilbert Baez

, WRAL Fayetteville reporter, & Nia Harden, WRAL reporter

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Wednesday was a big day in North Carolina: the first day anybody 16 or older who wanted a coronavirus vaccine shot could get one.

The state's move to open vaccinations to all adults comes nearly two weeks ahead of President Joe Biden's goal to make vaccines available for adults in all U.S. states by April 19.

Everyone 16 and older will be able to receive the Pfizer vaccine, and anyone 18 and older also can receive the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

Gov. Roy Cooper said Tuesday that North Carolina's allotment jumped this week and there are plenty of vaccine doses for everyone who wants them.

More than 5.2 million vaccinations have been administered statewide since mid-December, and more than a quarter of adults are now fully vaccinated, according to the state Department of Health and Human Services. Nearly two-thirds of people age 65 or older are fully vaccinated, DHHS data shows.

Locations, phone numbers to get your COVID shot in central NC

Wake County

While people hoping to get a vaccine through the Wake County Health Department need to sign up online, Health Park Pharmacy in Raleigh is giving all three vaccines with no appointment needed. People are asked to bring a consent form and proof of insurance or a driver's license.

Raleigh’s Sam's Club pharmacies on South Saunders Street and Calvary Drive are also offering vaccine appointments to both members and non-members. Register online before your next shopping trip.

Durham County

Tuesday marks the opening of a vaccination clinic at Wheels Fun Park, at 715 N. Hoover Road. Up to 1,000 appointments, for either first or second doses, are available each weekday through the Duke University Health System. Register online for an appointment.

The chapel inside Mount Vernon Baptist Church transformed into a community vaccine center Wednesday. The clinic is by online appointment only, and some slots may be available.

North Carolina Central University is holding a community vaccination clinic, with 500 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine available daily. Sign up for a slot online.

Cumberland County

All adults can schedule an appointment online to get vaccinated at the Cape Fear Valley Rehabilitation Center, Health Pavilion North, Hoke Hospital or Bladen County Hospital. No walk-ins are allowed.

There are appointments available Wednesday through Friday, starting at 7 a.m., at the Health Pavilion North location.

A mass drive-thru clinic is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays for at the Crown Complex in Fayetteville, with appointment slots offered between 9 and 11 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., 1 and 3 p.m., and 3 and 5 p.m.

College students are one group really taking advantage of the vaccine's availability, and Methodist University provided 500 doses of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine to students, faculty, staff and community members on Wednesday.

"I've been reluctant to get vaccinated just because I feel like it was produced really quickly," Methodist senior Mary Parker said.

But she changed her mind for a very personal reason.

"I'm hoping to travel, actually, directly after graduation, and so, i figured this was really a smart idea to go ahead and get vaccinated," she said.

Methodist students on campus since last fall have had to adhere to strict rules to keep the coronavirus at bay.

"We're here to ensure that our students can finish out their semester, be ready for the fall, but also travel home," said Lynetta Allen-Geddie, health services director for Stedman-Wade Health Services, which administered the shots at Mathews Ministry Center on campus.

Senior Nacrae Conrad said heading home is why he was eager to roll up his sleeve.

"I live close to my grandparents, and my family still reaches out to them. So, I don't want to take anything back with me to Ohio," Conrad said.

University President Stan Wearden said opening up the clinic to the public was a good way to give back to the community.

"Not to go out to the community with our hands out, saying, 'What can you do for us?' but to say, 'What can we do for you? How can we be a stronger presence to help this community?'" Wearden said. "I think this is a big step in that direction."

Johnston County

A drive-thru vaccine clinic at North Johnston High School in Kenly reached capacity by 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, only half an hour after it opened, organizers said. Cars were in line as early as 4 a.m., they said.

Register to receive the most up-to-date vaccination clinic and testing information on your phone by texting COVIDJOCO to 888777.

Carroll Pharmacy in Smithfield has 100 first doses and 100 second doses available daily of the Moderna vaccine. Register online or call 9199-934-7164.

WRAL News is updating daily a list of vaccine clinics and options across central North Carolina. Install the WRAL News app and enable alerts to get notified when and where shots are available.

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