Despite hiccups with its phone system last week, the Wilson County Health Department has been able to administer and schedule close to 1,300 COVID-19 vaccines in the past two weeks alone. 

That includes front-line health care workers and people 75 and older. 

Another shipment of 1,300 vaccine doses is expected to arrive at the health department this week. The shipment is roughly double the department’s two previous shipments. 

The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services said it notified vaccine providers that future allocations will be based on how quickly those providers are able to get their supply out to eligible recipients. 

“If an entity is not using their vaccine supply quickly enough or keeping the state database updated on their progress, that will impact how much they are allocated going forward,” a news release states. 

Hospitals and local health departments are vaccine providers statewide. Wilson County health officials say they look for that to be expanded in the weeks ahead as more doses are delivered. 

A week ago, the Wilson County Health Department’s COVID-19 hotline was flooded with calls as those 75 and older tried to make a vaccine appointment. Wilson County wasn’t the only county to experience technical glitches due to the overwhelming response. 

On Monday, the county rolled out its new COVID-19 hotline to help accommodate calls. That hotline will handle vaccination appointments and COVID-19 questions. 

That number is 252-360-0500. 

“We have increased capacity on our phones, however, there still will be times when someone will have to call back at a lower volume time,” said Wilson County Health Director Teresa Ellen. “Later this week, we should have our online portal ready for citizens to make their own appointment online. So there will be more than one way to make an appointment very soon. We appreciate everyone’s patience.”

Ellen said overall, the health department’s vaccination clinics, which require an appointment, are running smoothly. 

“We have received an overwhelming positive response from our citizens,” Ellen said. “I have talked with many citizens that report a very positive experience.” 

County officials say the highest call volumes occur at 8 a.m. and in the first hours of business. Officials suggest that residents call later in the morning or in the afternoon. 

HEALTH DEPARTMENT, HOSPITAL FIGURES

The health department has given nearly 660 COVID-19 vaccinations so far and has scheduled 460 appointments this week alone. Officials say 240 more people are scheduled for appointments next week. 

So far, Wilson Medical Center has administered 915 vaccinations, which includes first and second doses for health care workers and residents 75 years and older, according to Melanie Raynor, the hospital’s director of marketing and communications. She said the hospital began vaccinating those 75 and older last week as a part of Phase 1b. 

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

People can’t contract COVID-19 from the vaccine, officials stresed. Its formula doesn’t include a live virus. Instead, the vaccine includes a substance that stimulates production of a virus protein, which patients’ bodies will create antibodies to counteract. 

MORE THAN 300 NEW CASES

Wilson County added 323 newly confirmed virus cases over a four-day period, according to figures from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. County officials reported 104 new cases on Friday, 79 cases Saturday, 100 cases Sunday and 40 cases on Monday. 

There have been 6,357 people in Wilson County diagnosed with the virus since the pandemic began, according to the state’s website. 

The county reported one new COVID-19-related death Monday. The decedent is a woman in her early 50s who had other health problems, and her death isn’t related to a congregate living facility.

Wilson County’s pandemic death toll now stands at 114. 

“We definitely started seeing the Christmas surge last week, as did the state,” Ellen said. “Our daily active cases saw some of our highest numbers last week as well. It is so important for people to mask up and place 6 feet or more between you and others. We are thrilled to be giving vaccinations. However, do not stop wearing a mask, waiting 6 feet and washing your hands. Do not gather in groups outside of those individuals that you live with in your home.” 

Ellen said the county wants to see its case numbers decrease, but everyone must do their part to help.