The Wilson County Health Department is now ready for people 75 and older, regardless of health condition, to make appointments for a COVID-19 vaccination.

Health officials made the announcement Wednesday on the heels of the state’s simplified vaccination rollout plan based on new recommendations from the federal government, which includes this age group. Wilson County residents who fall into this category can call the Wilson County COVID-19 hotline at 252-237-3141, option 3, for an appointment.

“We are delighted to offer the vaccines to this group,” said Wilson County Health Director Teresa Ellen.

Health officials say vaccine availability for elderly people is part of the state’s commitment to first protect health care workers caring for COVID-19 patients, people who are at higher risk of being hospitalized or dying and those at high risk of COVID-19 exposure.

The health department received 600 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on Dec. 23. Ellen said 200 more doses are expected to arrive soon.

OTHERS VACCINATED

Health department employees spent Tuesday and Wednesday administering the vaccine to more than 160 people, including health care professionals, first responders, funeral home employees and home health and hospice staff.

“Based on the limited availability of vaccine at this time, we want to first vaccinate health care workers working with COVID patients and then move to those at high risk for exposure and severe illness,” Ellen said. “The state will continue to evaluate priority groups as we move through the vaccination process. We expect these adjustments as we move forward with vaccinations.”

‘LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL’

Wilson Mayor Carlton Stevens got his COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday morning at the health department. Stevens is operations manager of his family business, Stevens Family Funeral Home. Funeral home employees are among workers receiving the vaccine in the first round.

“I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Stevens said. “I don’t know if it’s six months from now or 12 months. We are going to reach the end. We’re going to make it through. Back in March and April, it was so dim and dark.”

Stevens, who had COVID-19 in November, said he did a lot of reading and research prior to getting vaccinated. Wilson residents don’t have to blindly accept the vaccine, Stevens said, but he encourages people to review the research and avoid giving credence to vaccine skeptics who aren’t medical professionals.

Both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are 95% effective. In comparison, the flu vaccine is typically 40% to 60% effective.

“This is about the best option we have to overcome this virus at this time,” Stevens said, adding that when the vaccine is more readily available to all groups, he hopes more people will get it to protect themselves and others.

HOSPITAL VACCINATIONS

Wilson Medical Center has vaccinated 360 of its employees and providers and continues to vaccinate workers on a regular basis, Dr. Ron Stahl, Wilson Medical Center’s chief medical officer, said Wednesday.

The hospital received 975 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine two weeks ago.

“So far, we have had no reports of any significant side effects,” Stahl said. “There continues to be significant interest from staff in obtaining the vaccine. We are also working with first responders in Wilson County to help ensure they receive their vaccines in the upcoming weeks.”

WILSON COVID-19 FIGURES

Wilson County reported 33 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases Wednesday, including a Wilson Pines employee.

Among the 578 active cases in Wilson County, 531 people are isolated at home and 47 people are hospitalized due to the virus, according to county figures.

EVICTION MORATORIUM

Gov. Roy Cooper issued an executive order Wednesday extending the state’s eviction moratorium through Jan. 31.

“Too many families are living on the edge, trying to do the right thing but left with impossible choices,” Cooper said in a Wednesday news conference. “This will help them stay in their homes, which is essential to slow the spread.”