Johnston County opens today’s COVID vaccine drive-thru clinic to Groups 1 through 5

The Johnston County Health Department will hold a vaccine drive-thru clinic Thursday, April 1, that is open to everyone in Groups 1 through 5.

The clinic initially announced it would be open for Groups 1 to 4, the day after North Carolina opened vaccine eligibility to all essential workers.

The health department said it has a supply of 2,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine for people 16 years and older.

No appointments are required. Shots are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, the county said.

Individuals under 18 will need to have an adult present, according to the news release.

The clinic is at West Johnston High School at 5935 Raleigh Road in Benson at 8 a.m. on Thursday.

Last week, Gov. Roy Cooper again moved up the state’s vaccination schedule, allowing all essential workers to receive the vaccine beginning March 31, and all adults to become eligible on April 7.

Some counties, like Johnston, have started opening up their clinics to everyone to meet demand, The News & Observer reported. They told The News & Observer they did so as people in open groups started making fewer appointments.

Many counties, though, are working through Group 4.2, which includes all essential workers who didn’t meet the criteria as a “front-line” essential worker in Group 3. Shots are now available for people in hospitality and retail, chemical and pharmaceutical facilities, communications, defense industries, construction, financial services, public works, housing and real estate and other essential sectors.

The Pfizer vaccine requires two doses, spaced roughly three weeks apart, to reach full effectiveness.

The health department warned there may be a wait and suggests people bring food and water with them. Restrooms will be available.

Johnston County’s health department said those planning to attend the vaccination clinic should complete the Prevaccination Checklist and Registration forms found at www.johnstonnc.com/covid19/files/Prevaccination_Covid_Reg_Form.pdf.

Over 2 million people in the state have been at least partially vaccinated against the virus as of Friday, with over 1.4 million of those people being fully vaccinated.

This story was originally published March 27, 2021 at 2:40 PM.