Gov. Cooper at March 11 press conference

March 11. Beginning March 17, people in Group 4 who have a medical condition that puts them at higher risk of serious illness and people who live in certain congregate settings will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination.

The rest of Group 4, which includes other essential workers will become eligible April 7. For details, click here.

Medical conditions and other essential workers

The move to Group 4 was announced by Gov. Roy Cooper at a 3 pm press conference today. “I know there are many efforts across the state getting vaccines to people as quickly and fairly as possible and I want our providers to know that their work is making all the difference,” he said.

The NC Dept. of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is in constant contact with providers across the state and surveys both their vaccine capacity and supply, according to NDHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen.

The state was able to update its timeline today based on provider feedback and expected supply. As with previous eligibility changes, some vaccine providers may not be ready to open to Group 4 on March 17 if they are still experiencing high demand for vaccines in Groups 1 through 3.

Vaccine shortages—and long waitlists—could limit those who are able to get vaccines March 17. Increasing supplies, however, could change that.

“With improving supplies, North Carolina can get more people vaccinated sooner and meet our goals to provide equitable access to vaccinations in every community in the state,” Cohen said.

1.1 million vaccinated

More than 1.1 million North Carolinians have been fully vaccinated as the state works with local health departments and providers to distribute this vaccine quickly and equitably. While supply is still limited, the increased federal allocation of doses is helping providers administer vaccines to more people.