Vaccination Numbers Continue to Grow

With shipment of thousands of the new one-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine on the way to North Carolina this week and the additional 457,074 vaccinations administered in the state in the last seven days, there is perhaps additional light visible at the end of the tunnel.

While we are not there yet, as of March 1, according to the Centers for Disease Control Vaccine Tracker, 1,615,012 North Carolinians (15.4% of the total population) have received at least the first dose. Of those, more than half (or 8.3%) have received both doses. This week, the CDC also began distinguishing the percentage of the population 18 and over who have been vaccinated, ostensibly due to the fact that the vaccines have not been approved for those under 18. In those terms, nearly 20% of the state's adults have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

Of particular note, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation report published February 25, North Carolina has vaccinated the highest percentage of people over the age of 65 in the country. Specifically, 49% of residents over the age of 65 have been vaccinated.

Of most importance is that a significant portion of the most vulnerable residents--those living and working in Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living and other long term care facilities--have received at least one and many, both doses of the vaccine. The Federal Government allocated 291,800 vaccines to be distributed by CVS and Walgreens to the 150,900 people who live and work in long term care facilities in North Carolina. As of today, according to a new section of the CDC tracking website, . 140,849 residents and staff in long term care facilities have received at least their first dose. While CDC updates its data each weekday, one can dig into the numbers CVS and Walgreens have each administered to both Skilled Nursing Facilities and long term care facilities.

Last week, on February 24, North Carolina graduated to vaccinating those in Group 3, school and childcare workers, while continuing to finish vaccinating those in Group 1 (healthcare workers and residents and staff in long term care facilities) and Group 2 (anyone over 65) who had not yet received their vaccine. With only two groups to go and warm weather arriving, one can begin to dream about a time when it will be possible to get together safely with extended family again, though still using the precautions that will likely, to some extent, simply be part of life.

Each week, North Carolina adds more vaccination providers to its searchable tool online. In addition to public health departments, hospitals, some primary care practices, and large vaccination events, pharmacies are beginning to provide vaccines to eligible candidates. Walgreen's is the primary community pharmacy provider of vaccines, though some independent pharmacies are beginning to offer their eligible customers the vaccine, too. Here is where to register for or get on the Walgreens' waitlist for the COVID vaccine. In the meantime, keep your eyes on the news for upcoming vaccination events, be persistent and cultivate patience.