North Carolina has distributed more than one million COVID-19 vaccines into the arms of residents, according to the state health department on Monday.

In a recent tweet, Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, said the state surpassed one million vaccinations on Friday, January 29. In her official statement, Cohen thanked the front-line workers who have put in countless hours to vaccinate patients.

According to Monday’s press release, the state is guaranteeing baseline vaccine allocations to providers for the next three weeks. In addition, it will set aside doses of the state’s allocation to ensure equitable access to underserved and rural communities.

“It is incumbent on all of us to use the limited supply of vaccine we have as quickly and equitably as possible, finding new ways to meet people where they are,” said Cohen.

As the state hit a big vaccine milestone this past week, so did UNC Health.

The healthcare system announced on Tuesday that it has administered its 100,000th COVID-19 vaccine dose. That number includes more than 20,000 administered second doses.

UNC Health began administering COVID-19 vaccines on December 15, 2020. UNC Health appointments are scheduled each week based on the vaccine supply received from the state. With current, limited supplies, a spokesperson for UNC Health said there are more than 59,000 future vaccine appointments scheduled.

Local health departments and medical facilities are currently scheduling health care workers, long-term care residents and staff and older adults ages 65 and up for appointments under Phase One and Two.

There are 1.6 million people over the age of 65 in North Carolina. In Orange County there are approximately 22,000 people who are 65 years of age or older.

As of January 27, the Orange County Health Department has administered 3,359 first doses and 339 second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine with 17,000 residents on the vaccine waitlist.

These low numbers are reflective of the health department not receiving any first dose allotments of COVID-19 vaccines from the state for three weeks in a row.

 

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