Johnson & Johnson's newly approved COVID-19 vaccine will arrive in Gaston County this week, enabling the county to reach some of its most vulnerable residents.
The 1,200 doses the agency is set to receive will double the county's weekly vaccine capacity through March 5. GEMS workers will administer those doses to protect harder-to-reach populations like homebound seniors and the homeless.
“This opportunity to get additional folks vaccinated now is possible thanks to a tremendous partnership between our department and public health,” GEMS Chief Mark Lamphiear said. “We are dedicated as an agency and a county to making sure anyone who wants a COVID-19 shot can get one.”