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.