On February 10, Governor Roy Cooper outlined a timeline for Group 3 frontline workers becoming eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, beginning with anyone working in childcare or in PreK-12 schools on February 24.
To that end, the Moore County Health Department is working in conjunction with FirstHealth of the Carolinas to offer vaccinations to those individuals who become eligible under Group 3. In reviewing the number of eligible staff throughout Moore County, FirstHealth has agreed to coordinate vaccinations for all Moore County Schools staff and staff of The O’Neal School. The Moore County Health Department will manage vaccinations for all other private schools, charter schools, childcare facilities, family childcare homes, and any pre-school/head-start/early head start programs not affiliated with Moore County Schools.
Vaccinations for Moore County’s PreK-12 schools and childcare staff are anticipated to begin on March 3, or shortly thereafter, depending on vaccine allocation, which should be announced on Thursday, February 25. The goal is to vaccinate all staff who want the vaccine as soon as possible, provided vaccine supplies are available.
“Educators and school personnel are some of our most essential workers,” said Health Director Robert Wittmann. “Getting them vaccinated as quickly as possible helps to ensure a safer learning environment for students and staff alike. It should help to facilitate the opening of all K-12 schools for in-person instruction.”
Beginning on February 24 at 8:30 a.m., all staff of any private school (except The O’Neal School), charter school, childcare facility, or pre-school/head start program may pre-register by visiting www.moorecountync.gov/shot or by calling (910) 947-SHOT (7468).
The online portal and phone line will go live at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 24. The phone line will be open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Once pre-registration is completed, a representative will make contact to schedule an appointment for vaccination. At this time, appointments are required,
and no walk-ins can be accommodated at vaccine clinics.
Staff members affiliated with Moore County Schools or with The O’Neal School do not have to submit pre-registration. FirstHealth is working with the Moore County Schools’ Central Office and The O’Neal school administration to schedule vaccine appointments for staff members. Administration from both schools will contact staff members interested in receiving the vaccine.
“The priority continues to be vaccinating those most at risk from this virus,” said Dr. Jenifir Bruno, chief medical officer, FirstHealth of the Carolinas. “We are working tirelessly to vaccinate as many eligible groups as possible.”
Moore County is currently vaccinating people in Groups 1 and 2, which include health care workers, long-term care staff and residents and people 65 and older. In the coming weeks, providers will continue to vaccinate these groups while incorporating those eligible in Group 3 into vaccine clinic scheduling as vaccine supply allows. The state plans to move to additional frontline workers on March 10.
Detailed information about each vaccine group is online at YourShotYourSpot.nc.gov (English) or vacunate.nc.gov (Spanish).
