If you’re getting a 3rd shot of the COVID vaccine, here is where to go in the Triangle
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are now recommending people who are immunocompromised get a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The news comes as the delta variant continues to spread in North Carolina and around the country, causing rising cases and hospitalizations.
Immunocompromised people, who make up less than 3% of the U.S. adult population, are at higher risk for serious illness and death from the virus, according to health officials.
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines both require two shots to reach full effectiveness. But for those who are immunocompromised, two doses does not always achieve the same level of immunity as in others, the CDC said.
In the Triangle, Wake, Orange and Johnston counties are offering third shots to eligible residents. Duke Health and UNC Health also are providing the shots.
Here’s a guide on who’s eligible to get another dose, and where you can find a shot.
Who needs a COVID booster
Here’s who the CDC says should get a third dose:
- Cancer patients undergoing active treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood.
- Organ transplant recipients who are taking medicine to suppress their immune systems.
- Stem cell transplant recipients who are less than two years out from their transplant and taking medicine to suppress their immune systems.
- Those with moderate to severe primary immunodeficiency, like DiGeorge syndrome or Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.
- Those with an advanced or untreated HIV infection.
- Anyone receiving high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress one’s immune response.
Those who are vaccinated should continue to wear masks in public places, especially indoors and in crowds.
When should I get a booster shot?
Individuals who fall under the medical conditions above are eligible for a third dose 28 days after their second shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, the CDC said. They must get the same vaccine for their third shot.
The Pfizer vaccine is for anyone 12 and older while the Moderna vaccine is available to those 18 and older.
The CDC does not currently recommend a booster shot for any other group, including those who received the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
In both Wake and Johnston counties, people need to bring their vaccine cards. They do not need to show medical proof that you are immunocompromised but in Wake County will need to sign a digital form stating they are immunocompromised.
In Orange County, eligible individuals will be able to provide a self-attestation that they have a qualifying medical condition, according to a news release.
Wake County
You can to walk in, or make an appointment online at wakegov.com/covid-19-information.
Here’s where you can get a third dose in Wake County:
- Wake County Human Services Center at 5809 Departure Drive in Raleigh
- Wake County Public Health Center at 10 Sunnybrook Road in Raleigh
- Wake County Northern Regional Center at 350 E. Holding Ave. in Wake Forest
- Wake County Southern Regional Center at 130 N. Judd Parkway NE in Fuquay-Varina
Wake County Eastern Regional Center at 1002 Dogwood Drive in Zebulon
For a full list of vaccine events and available times, see this list here https://bit.ly/3CRyHzC for Wake County.
Durham County
The Durham County Department of Public Health said it is not offering third doses at this time, as of Aug. 17.
Orange County
To find a vaccination site or make an appointment for a third shot of vaccine, go to:
- www.orangecountync.gov/getyourshot (English Orange County Vaccine Page)
- www.orangecountync.gov/espanol (Spanish Orange County COVID-19 Page)
- Call 919-913-8088 for the Orange County Vaccine Registration Call Center. Spanish and other languages available.
Johnston County
Here’s where you can get a vaccine and third dose in Johnston County this week.
Johnston County Public Health Department at 517 N. Brightleaf Blvd., in Smithfield. Open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is open to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Benson Housing Authority Outreach Vaccination Clinic at 701 S. Whittington St. in Benson. Open 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 18.
Selma Middle School Vaccination Outreach Clinic at 1533 U.S. 301 in Selma. Open Thursday, Aug. 19 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Clayton High School Gym Outreach Vaccination Clinic at 600 S. Fayetteville St. in Clayton. Open Friday, Aug. 20, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
Brightleaf Market Vaccination Outreach Clinic at 2320 S. Brightleaf Blvd. in Smithfield. Open Sunday, Aug. 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For a list of vaccine events, go to this site here: https://bit.ly/3D1whP9.
Duke Health
Third doses are available at Duke Health. Those seeking a shot do not need to be patients at Duke Health to be vaccinated.
Schedule an appointment at https://bit.ly/37T82E8, or find a walk in clinic at https://bit.ly/37OsKFi.
UNC Health
UNC Health advises people talk to their health care providers to determine whether a third dose is appropriate.
Those people can schedule appointments for a supplemental dose here, through My UNC Chart, or by calling 984-215-5485, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Walgreens & CVS
Third doses are also available at Walgreens and CVS pharmacies nationwide. Schedule an appointment at your local CVS at https://bit.ly/3B0iQgz and Walgreens at https://bit.ly/2UoXGsI.
North Carolina
Go to MySpot.nc.gov or call 888-675-4567 to find a location. You can also text your zip code to 438829 to find vaccine locations near you.
This story will be updated as more counties announce details.
This story was originally published August 16, 2021 at 3:32 PM.