Winter storms slow down vaccine progress
Widespread winter storms last week drastically slowed down vaccination efforts in Jackson County, which still has the lowest percentage of its population vaccinated of the four counties in The Smoky Mountain News’ coverage area.
Last week, the Jackson County Department of Public Health had expected to receive 300 first doses and to assist Western Carolina University in its inaugural public vaccine clinic, to be supplied with 500 doses. However, winter weather in other parts of the country delayed those shipments.
This week, JCDPH received 300 first doses intended for delivery last week as well as 500 doses intended for delivery the week of Feb. 21-27. Similarly, Blue Ridge Health did not receive any vaccines last week due to shipment delays but expects to get those doses this week as well as the 100 doses for Haywood and 100 for Jackson that are part of this week’s allocation.
The metrics are down from last week's 33 reported cases and 1.8 percent positivity rate, but still register above the department's average rate of 0.9 percent since student-athletes returned to grounds on July 5.
Pardee UNC Health Care, in partnership with Blue Ridge Health, will begin vaccinating Henderson County Public Schools employees Wednesday.
School and child care employees qualify for the vaccine under the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Group 3.
HCPS personnel won t be required to get a vaccine. Those who do want it will be vaccinated quickly, according to a statement from Pardee UNC Health Care spokeswoman Erica Allison.
Groups 1 and 2 (health care workers, long-term care staff and residents and adults 65 years and older) will continue to receive vaccines as well. The Henderson County Health Department will remain focused on vaccinating individuals who are 65 and older.
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The positivity rate for tests conducted last week was 1.8 percent, but the overall positivity rate, which includes all tests administered since July 5 is 0.8 percent.