Two area hospitals are upping their game in regards to COVID-19 vaccinations.
A recent directive from Gov. Roy Cooper prioritized teachers, education professionals and childcare workers for vaccinations. That anticipated increase in vaccinations was delayed due to winter weather slowing shipments of vaccines across the country.
Beginning today, Columbus Regional and UNC-SOutheastern Health in Lumberton are offering appointments to teachers, healthcare workers and people over 65.
Columbus Regional opened its COVID-19 hotline this morning (Wednesday) to schedule vaccination appointments. Call 910.642.1554 for more information. Vaccinations are currently available for people over 65, healthcare workers and starting this week, educators and childcare workers.
UNC Southeastern is accepting appointments through its website. Teachers and all school personnel who are currently in or returning to in-person roles at daycares, preschools and/or K-12 schools may schedule COVID-19 vaccinations through srmc.org, by clicking on “Get Vaccinated.”
School personnel were added to those eligible to receive the vaccine by NC DHHS. Vaccinations for educators began today at UNC Southeastern. Those in earlier phases, including healthcare workers and individuals age 65 and older, may also schedule vaccination appointments online.
Available appointments will be shown on the online scheduling module, allowing the user to select the location and time that is most convenient for their schedule. Once the schedule is filled, scheduling will be closed and re-opened as new vaccination appointments become available each week.
Please note that individuals who register as a MyChart Guest when scheduling their appointment will not receive a confirmation notice via email or text. If an appointment needs to be cancelled or changed due to scheduling issues or other factors that may arise, those who registered as a guest should email vaccine@srmc.org to request appointment adjustments.
There will be no charge to patients for the vaccine. Insurance will be filed for patients with insurance. The government will cover vaccine charges for patients without insurance.
