Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Today, Beaufort County received a limited amount of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.  The supply will be utilized to vaccinate per the NC DHHS prioritization framework.  It is hopeful that more vaccine will be coming soon in greater volume to expand the categories of qualified recipients.  

The Beaufort County Medical Director, Dr Deborah Answorth and Health Director, James Madson, were the first to be vaccinated from the supply.  While both were candidates to receive the vaccination at this time because they test and/or treat COVID-19 patients, they also wanted the public to know that they endorse the vaccine as safe and an effective method to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Priority at this time will go to health care workers at high risks and long-term care staff and residents.  In the coming weeks, vaccine will be made available to older adults and front-line workers that are at risk of complications from COVID-19.  Low risks residents are asked to be patient while the supply grows.  

“Vaccination is the way out of this pandemic. Because the supply is limited, we need people to be patient.  Your opportunity to get vaccinated will be here soon.  The Health Department is working with our partners in the county to ensure that in time all residents that want the vaccination will be given the opportunity to receive the vaccine”, stated Jim Madson, Beaufort County Health Director.