NC Health Officials To Open Mass Vaccination Sites To Speed Up Distribution

CHARLOTTE, NC – North Carolina is at the bottom when it comes to delivering the vaccine and state legislators are making their voices heard.

“While most of our counties have started vaccinating anyone over 75 years and older, there still will be a wait for most people,” said Dr. Mandy Cohen, the State Health Director.

According to data compiled by Bloomberg, North Carolina has administered about 26% of the doses it has on hand, ranking 48 out of the 50 states.

“Helping local hospitals and health departments and health care providers get vaccines in arms as quickly and as equitably as possible remains our top priority,” said Gov. Roy Cooper.

During a hearing today, state legislators said not enough is being done.

“The status quo is completely unacceptable, and the failure of the county-centric model was known before planning even began,” said Republican State Sen. Joyce Krawiec.

“The state executive branch needs to take the reins, make tough calls, and move forward,” said Republican State Sen. Jim Burgin.

As vaccination rates slowly start to climb, Dr. Mandy Cohen announced 10 mass vaccination locations throughout the state, including one in the Charlotte area.

“The truth is that this disease is spreading fast. We’re in a dire situation,” said Gov. Cooper.

In the meantime, COVID cases continue to rise, hospitals across the state now at more than 75% capacity.

“The percent of our tests that are positive is over 13% well above the 5% mark I’d like to see. Our hospitals are stretched,” said Cohen.

Ten months later, state leaders are still stressing wearing a mask, washing hands, and keeping distance.

“These simple measures work,” said Cooper.

The high throughput vaccination sites will be up and running in the coming days. Cohen says the sites will greatly increase vaccination efforts by distributing a total of about 45,000 doses each week.