NC opens COVID-19 vaccinations to people with health conditions in Group 4

The subset of Group 4 eligible Wednesday includes those with high-risk medical conditions and homeless and incarcerated people who are not yet vaccinated.

While many counties, including Wake County, are under appointment-only systems, a first-come, first-served vaccination clinic will begin at 8 a.m. Wednesday at Corinth Holders High School at 6875 Applewhite Road in Wendell. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will be administered to eligible people ages 16 and older.

The first person was in line at 1 a.m. on Thursday.

Last week, another drive-thru clinic at Johnston Community College ran out of vaccines even before the clinic opened as cars lined up hours early to make sure they could get a shot. Lines are expected to be long again on Wednesday, especially since it's the first day people in Group 4 can get vaccinated.

People who show up for vaccines may be asked if they have any health conditions, but unlike other groups, they won't need to prove their eligibility. Many of the health conditions, including pregnancy, obesity and being a former or current smoker will be difficult to prove, so the clinics are running on an honor system.

According to BMI calculators, a person who is 5’5 and 150 pounds would be considered overweight. Someone who is 5’10 and 175 pounds would also be considered overweight and qualify for a vaccine. If you're unsure about whether or not you qualify for a vaccine based on your weight, take a look at a BMI calculator to see if you fall into the overweight or obese category.

Smokers are also included in Group 4. The term 'smoker' is defined as having smoked 100 cigarettes in your lifetime.

Last week, state Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen said she expects vaccines will open to Group 5, all adults who haven't already been vaccinated, by May.

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