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California Health Officials Host Johnson & Johnson Vaccination Event In Los Angeles

Source: Mario Tama / Getty

Gov. Roy Cooper announced beginning on March 17, people in Group 4 who have a medical condition that puts them at higher risk of serious illness and people who live in certain congregate settings will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. The rest of the Group 4, which includes a portion of essential workers, will become eligible April 7.

“This move to Group 4 is good news,” said Cooper. “I know there are many efforts across the state getting vaccines to people as quickly and fairly as possible and I want our providers to know that their work is making all the difference.”

The state was able to update its timeline today based on provider feedback and expected supply. As with previous eligibility changes, some vaccine providers may not be ready to open to Group 4 on March 17 if they are still experiencing high demand for vaccines in Groups 1 through 3.

“We are very fortunate to now have three tested, safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines that keep people out of the hospital and prevent death from this virus,” said NC Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy K. Cohen. “With improving supplies, North Carolina can get more people vaccinated sooner and meet our goals to provide equitable access to vaccinations in every community in the state.”

More than 1.1 million North Carolinians have been fully vaccinated, according to official data from NCDHHS.

North Carolina has continued to emphasize equity in the vaccine distribution process. In the last four weeks, more than 20 percent of the state’s first doses have been administered to Black North Carolinians. On Sunday, Bloomberg News recognized North Carolina as the leader in the nation for reporting demographic data on who has been vaccinated down to the county level.

Detailed information about each vaccine group is available at YourSpotYourShot.nc.gov. North Carolinians can find vaccine providers in their community through the NCDHHS online tool, Find a Vaccine Location. The COVID-19 vaccine help center is available to answer vaccine questions at 888-675-4567.

Gov. Cooper announces Group 4 ‘high-risk” eligible for vaccine on March 17  was originally published on wbt.com