BCHHS administers more than 1,400 vaccines with 1,200 more coming up

Press release from Buncombe County Government:

Since receiving the first COVID-19 vaccines on Jan. 6, Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) staff have administered more than 1,433 vaccines and scheduled approximately 1,200 appointments this week. While all appointments are currently booked, more appointments will be made available when vaccine allotments are confirmed. To ensure that everyone who scheduled a vaccine is able to receive one, walk-ups are not allowed at this time.

“During this time of significant spread, there is hope amongst us,” said Buncombe County Health Director Stacie Saunders. “Vaccine rollout of this magnitude is unprecedented and not without its bumps in the road. Our biggest hurdle now is limited vaccine supply. We ask for the community’s patience and understanding as we continue to vaccinate our community with such small amounts of vaccine. While we will not have ample supplies for some time, we remain committed to fighting COVID-19.”

Currently, the only authorized COVID-19 vaccinators in Buncombe County are BCHHS and Mission/HCA. In the coming weeks and months, local clinics and physician practices are anticipated to receive authorization from the state to administer the vaccine to their patients, as well.

Community members can receive information about vaccination phases, available appointments, and how to schedule appointments by signing up for the COVID-19 email newsletter atbuncombeready.org. Community members can also receive alerts to their phones by going to local.nixle.com/buncombe-county-government/.

BCHHS officials will provide a COVID community update to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners at its Jan. 12 special called meeting, which will be streamed live on Buncombe County Government Facebook (English), Buncombe County Health and Human Services Facebook (Spanish) and BCTV.

Know Before You Go:

·         If you have a confirmed reservation, then you are guaranteed to receive the vaccine.

·         To ensure that everyone who scheduled a vaccine is able to receive one, walk-ups are not permitted at this time.

·         If you scheduled online, but didn’t receive an email confirmation, call 250-5000. (Confirmation emails may also be in the recipient’s “junk mail” folder.)

·         No ID or specific documents are needed when someone arrives to get a vaccine.

·         The person will have to complete a short registration form with their name and contact information, as well as a few other questions to ensure they meet the current phase’s criteria.

·         The ability to get a vaccine is not impacted by citizenship status.

·         Language services are available on site.

·         From check-in to vaccine administration, the takes about 10 minutes. Following the vaccine, patients are monitored for 15 minutes prior to being released.

·         Once a patient receives a first dose of the vaccine, they should receive a reminder for their second dose via the State’s COVID Vaccine Management System to then schedule their second dose.

·         Patients who receive the vaccine still need to continue wearing a mask, waiting six feet, and washing hands frequently.

·         To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine phases, go tohttps://files.nc.gov/covid/documents/vaccines/NCDHHS-Vaccine-Infographic.pdf.  

·         COVID-19 testing is still widely available. Go to www.BuncombeReady.org for more information.

For more information, go to www.buncombeready.org.

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