Pardee UNC Health Care begins COVID-19 vaccine pre-registration for people in phase 1B

Press release from Pardee UNC Health Care: 

With the announcement by the Henderson County Department of Public Health that Henderson County is officially moving into Phase 1B, Pardee begins pre-registering people aged 75 or older. Effective immediately, people over the age of 75, and who have not already been included in a previous vaccination group, may pre-register for COVID-19 vaccine appointments by going online to www.yourshot.org or by calling (828) 694-8222 / 694-VACC. Once on the yourshot.org site, patients are instructed to find the Pardee location before proceeding.

Vaccinations scheduled through Pardee will take place at Blue Ridge Community College. Once pre-registered, members of Group 1, Phase 1B will receive details about their appointment date, time and location. There will be no walk-up appointments.

“Pardee is once again asking for patience as we begin this next phase of vaccinations,” said David Ellis, MD, chief medical officer, Pardee UNC Health Care. “It’s important to remember that not only are we continuing to care for higher-than-normal numbers of COVID-19 patients in our hospital, we’re also helping our community partners complete Phase 1A, delivering the second shot to many in that group, while setting up an entirely separate clinic.” Ellis adds that delays in reaching a scheduler, and potential crashes to the phone system are possible. Additionally, appointments are made available as doses of vaccine are received from the state. Doses are received on a weekly basis and can vary week to week.

The COVID-19 vaccine requires two shots that are spaced 19-24 days apart. When pre-registered individuals are contacted to schedule their initial appointment, they must verify that they will be in town for their second dose before the first appointment is confirmed. The appointment for a person’s second vaccination will be scheduled at the time of their first shot. 

While there is no charge to the patient, those with insurance are encouraged to bring their insurance card to their appointment. Insurance will be billed for the administration costs for the vaccine. Patients do not need insurance in order to receive a vaccine. 

Masks will be required, and all persons will be screened upon entry. People scheduled to receive the vaccine should plan to come alone and be prepared to wait 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine before leaving. If a person with an appointment requires assistance, they will be permitted to have one person accompany them. 

Long-term care residents and staff, including residents age 75 and older, are currently in the state’s Phase 1A and receiving vaccinations through a federal vaccination partnership with CVS and Walgreens pharmacies, or through the Henderson County health department. People living and working in these and other congregate care facilities will continue to be contacted by facility administrators to schedule their appointments and should not call this pre-registration number. 

The Henderson County Department of Public Health will announce when additional groups in Phase 1B will be eligible for vaccination. As the county moves into additional phases, Pardee will share information on how those appointments can be made.