FDA Approved: Important news this week as the FDA approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for ages 16 and up. For some who may have been hesitant, full FDA approval provides additional confidence.
Teens and Parents: A new COVID-19 information website, specifically for teens launched this week. TeenVax.com provides teens and parents access to resources and materials needed to educate themselves and their peers. As COVID-19 rates are rapidly increasing across the state, particularly in young people, this is a useful tool for encouraging vaccination.
Business Efforts Encouraging Vaccination: The increase in COVID-19 rates due to the Delta variant is leading some business owners to require their employees to be vaccinated. Additionally, some are also requiring proof of vaccination for patrons who want to dine inside. Vaccine verification is another measure that can help keep people safe.
Adult ICU Patients at an All-Time High: A pandemic record, 912 adults were in the ICU with COVID-19 on August 26. New data also shows that unvaccinated individuals are four times more likely to get COVID-19 and 15 times more likely to die from COVID-19. Vaccines save lives.
Last Chance for $100 Summer Card Incentive: North Carolina’s $100 Summer Card program will end tomorrow Tuesday, Aug. 31. Through tomorrow, anyone 18 and older who gets their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine will receive a $100 card after vaccination. While this program will sunset on Aug. 31, NCDHHS will continue to implement new strategies to help people get vaccinated.
Testing is Widely Available: Anyone who has symptoms of or has been exposed to COVID-19 should get tested as soon as possible. To find a testing site in your community, go to ncdhhs.gov/GetTested. People who are not experiencing serious symptoms should not go to the emergency department for routine COVID-19 testing.
You Are a Vaccine Ambassador: If you are already vaccinated, talk with your unvaccinated family and friends. Share your experience, help them get accurate information, and urge them to get their shot now. It could save their lives. Use our communications toolkit and videos.
Visit myspot.nc.gov for accurate information about the COVID-19 vaccine. We need to layer up our protection to fight this more contagious Delta variant and weather the storm: Vax up, Mask up and urge others to do the same.
Updated Guidance since the last update includes:
Updated Teen Vax Facts (Spanish)
Updated CVMS User Guides, Recorded Trainings and Upcoming Trainings
Updated Guidance: Vaccines (specifically Statewide Standing Order for FDA Approved COMIRNATY and FDA Authorized Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Administration, Interim Provider Guidance for Vaccinating North Carolinians, Appendix and Summary Sheet of Updates)
Hattie Gawande
Senior Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs Advisor
NC Department of Health and Human Services
Cell: 919-906-1899
Help protect your family and neighbors from COVID-19.
Know the 3 Ws. Wear. Wait. Wash.
#StayStrongNC and get the latest at nc.gov/covid19.