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North Carolina hopes to lift many COVID-19 restrictions in less than a month, if enough people can get vaccinated.
Since the first vaccines started rolling out, local groups knew focusing on historically marginalized populations was going to be a key in clearing that hurdle, so as doses, providers and access have grown, so has the share of Hispanic residents getting their shots.
Cristina Cardenas, health access coordinator for Western Carolina Medical Society, was part of a panel discussion in January discussing what it would take to successfully reach out to people of color, a necessary piece to solve the pandemic puzzle.
Buncombe County will consolidate its COVID-19 vaccination efforts into one site at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and begin offering walk-up shots in May, after demand has declined for vaccinations from the county.
With more and more vaccine supply and providers coming to the region, residents are now looking to get their shot when it s convenient, Buncombe County Public Health Director Stacie Saunders told county commissioners in an April 20 update. As demand has waned, anecdotally from providers, from partners and consumers alike, we are noticing a switch to valuing that convenience: getting it where I am when it s convenient for me, she said.
COVID-19 vaccination appointments open Jan. 7 for those 75 and over
Buncombe County will launch its next phase of COVID-19 vaccinations Jan. 11, announcing a new phone line that will be used to make appointments for people 75 and older to get their first of two needed doses.
County health officials updated Buncombe County commissioners before their meeting Jan. 5 on the move to vaccinate people who fall under Phase 1b, group 1, which covers anyone 75 or older regardless of health conditions.
Starting Jan. 7, people who fit that criteria can call to schedule an appointment while vaccine supplies last.
County residents 75 and older can call 828-250-5000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to make an appointment to get their first vaccine dose, according to a release from the county.