Replies(3) While more North Carolinians are now eligible under the state's simplified vaccination strategy, vaccine supply is running short of demand. (Shutterstock) NORTH CAROLINA — More North Carolina residents are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, according to state public health officials announcing an updated phased approach aimed at simplifying and ramping up vaccine distribution throughout the state. The news follows the Trump administration's announcement Tuesday recommending vaccine eligibility expand to those 65 years old and older, as well as those with pre-existing conditions that are at risk for serious illness from COVID-19. North Carolina reported 9,853 new known cases of COVID-19 Thursday, increasing the state's tally to 650,926 cases. Hospitalizations rose to 3,990, as the death toll rose by 80 to 7,825 lives lost to the virus in the state since March.