As COVID-19 vaccine trials continue in age groups younger than 16, local school districts and health departments plan to work together to encourage families to get their children vaccinated once it becomes available.
But the vaccine won’t be required for now. Once a vaccine for younger age groups is approved by the FDA, schools may treat it like the flu shot, said Kristin Jackson, student support services director for New Hanover County Schools. It will be encouraged, but not required.
North Carolina requires students to have several vaccines to enroll in K-12 schools, including for Polio, measles, chickenpox, and several others. Vaccines are required prior to kindergarten, seventh grade and 12th grade.
Cooper announced that a mask mandate could be eased by June 1, with more restrictions lifting if two-thirds of the population has at least one shot. (Port City Daily/File)
Governor Roy Cooper is looking toward June 1 to lighten restrictions that North Carolinians have been following throughout Covid-19, from business capacity and gathering limitations to social-distancing measures. Dr. Mandy Cohen, N.C. Department of Health and Human Services secretary, said masks and safety recommendations will be heavily ongoing through the next month to ensure the goals are reached.
“I plan to issue an executive order next week outlining safety restrictions for the month of May,” Cooper added.
No appointments needed for NHC vaccine clinics next week wect.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from wect.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
New Hanover Co. Public Health holding walk-up vaccine clinics Monday and Tuesday (Source: WECT) By WECT Staff | April 19, 2021 at 6:23 AM EDT - Updated April 19 at 6:23 AM
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - New Hanover County Public Health will hold COVID-19 vaccine walk-up clinics Monday, April 19, and Tuesday, April 20.
The Pfizer vaccine, which is approved for anyone 16 and older, will be administered from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the public health building located at 1650 Greenfield St.
No appointments are necessary. Residents also can schedule a vaccine appointment online here, and anyone with an appointment will be given priority when arriving to the site.
Change of pace, demand for vaccines down in New Hanover County
Change of pace, demand for vaccines down in New Hanover County By Michael Praats | April 19, 2021 at 11:04 AM EDT - Updated April 19 at 12:14 PM
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - With more than 30% of New Hanover County residents vaccinated the demand for the COVID-19 vaccine has dropped significantly, in fact, New Hanover County has gone from filling hundreds of appointments in just minutes to offering walk-in shots with no appointment necessary.
Health and Human Services Consolidated Agency director Donna Fayko offered a county-wide look at the pandemic and addressed some of the changes the county is taking in order to ensure no shot goes to waste.