SOUTHEASTERN NC Vaccinations continue moving at a steady pace in the state. More than 3 million total shots have been given, and the state’s positivity rate has now fallen below the 5% mark, tracking at 3.7%.
Gov. Cooper announced he will open the vaccination queue on Wednesday, March 17, to people with high-risk health conditions and those who live in congregate settings in Group 4.
The rest of Group 4 frontline essential workers will open on April 7.
As well, more vaccine providers have opened in North Carolina, including CVS pharmacies.
As more folks are getting vaccinated nationwide in an effort to reach 73% herd immunity, the CDC released new guidance this week as well about fully vaccinated individuals gathering without masks in certain settings:
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The FDA gave emergency use approval of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine over the weekend and now the CDC has to approve its distribution, expected today, Sunday, Feb. 28. (Port City Daily/File)
SOUTHEASTERN NC Over the weekend the FDA approved the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for emergency use. It now awaits approval from the CDC for distribution. Once that happens, the nation will be gearing up for more supply, as almost 4 million doses will be available immediately, upping vaccine supply to states by 25%. Doses could increase by 20 million by the end of March.
Gov. Roy Cooper and N.C.’s top health official, Mandy Cohen, addressed the one-dose shot at last week’s press conference, saying more information will be communicated this week upon its possible rollout.