RALEIGH — Wake County gave its 100,000th vaccine Monday at the county Public Health Center, official...
RALEIGH — Wake County gave its 100,000th vaccine Monday at the county Public Health Center, officials said.
Timothy Jacob “T.J.” Sisley of Apex received the shot at the mass vaccination site. He said getting his shot was a no brainer for him, and he recommended everyone get the vaccination.
“I would take a look at your priorities in life, and if the vaccine aligns with any of them, get it,” Sisley said. “It would seem silly not to. And if you have other reasons that just don’t make sense ... talk to a provider, talk to family, talk to friends.”
Since February, the county has been vaccinating around 10,000 people every week at its three mass vaccination sites at PNC Arena, the Wake County Commons Building and the Wake County Public Health center, according to Dr. Kim McDonald, the county’s medical director.
“It seems like a dream really,” McDonald said. “We’re so excited to hit this 100,000 mark, and we couldn’t have done it without the wonderful team that we have working here or without all of the people who are willing to come and get the vaccine. I’m just so proud and privileged to be part of this.”
All North Carolinians age 16 and older will be eligible to be vaccinated beginning Wednesday.
On Monday, Wake County Human Services Center, 5809 Departure Drive, will begin serving as a fourth mass vaccination site. Vaccinations will be appointment only.
The COVID-19 testing will be moved to the Vision Church RDU site across the street.
Wake County will be offering free COVID-19 tests in several locations throughout the county, starting Tuesday after the Easter break.
In Wake Forest, people can go to Radeas Labs, 907 Gateway Commons Circle, Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-2 p.m. In Wendell, people can visit the community park at 601 W. Third Street, seven days a week from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. In Zebulon, tests are available seven days a week at Zebulon Community Park, 401 S. Arendell Ave., from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
All tests are free.
On April 10, Pleasant Grove Carver Center, 948 Morphus Bridge Rd., Wendell, will be offering free tests from 10 a.m.-noon.
To find out when you’re eligible to receive your shot, visit www.yourspotyourshot.nc.gov for English information and www.vacunate.nc.gov for Spanish information.
As of Thursday, the state had administered around 90% of the total vaccines it had received, according to the N.C. DHHS dashboard. That’s more than 4.1 million doses statewide. Around 24% of the population 18 and over have been vaccinated.
Statewide, most people who have received their vaccine have been white, around 73%; and non-Hispanic, around 92%. Around 57% are female. Most are 65 and older, around 45%.
More than 480,000 Wake County citizens have been vaccinated by health departments, pharmacies, private doctor offices and other providers across the state. More than 185,000 people have taken both doses. Around 17% of the population is fully vaccinated.
More than 24,000 doses have been administered to Franklin County citizens. Around 10,000 people have taken both shots. Around 15% of the population is fully vaccinated.
Federal pharmacy programs have given more than 727,000 vaccines to residents and employees in long-term care facilities.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story gave the wrong date on which vaccine eligibility will be opened to all North Carolinians 16 or older.