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Albemarle Regional Health Services is hosting COVID-19 vaccine clinics throughout the region on Wednesday, Jan. 6 and Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021.

Vaccines will be available to anyone in the following categories:

Current phase, Phase 1a: Health care workers fighting COVID-19 and long-term care staff and residents. Hospitals and local health departments are vaccinating health care workers caring for and working directly with patients with COVID-19 and those giving vaccines. In addition, the federal government is vaccinating long-term care residents and staff.

Phase 1b: Adults 75 years or older and frontline essential workers. Group 1: Anyone 75 years or older regardless of medical condition or living situation. People do not have to have a chronic health condition.

Drive through vaccination clinics on Wednesday, Jan. 6 and Thursday, Jan. 7:

– Bertie County Health Department: Wednesday 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

– Camden County Health Department: Wednesday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

– Chowan County Health Department: Wednesday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

– Currituck County, Maple Park: Wednesday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

– Gates County Health Department: Wednesday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

– Ahoskie Creek Amphitheater: Wednesday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

– College of The Albemarle, Elizabeth City: Wednesday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

– Perquimans County Recreation Center: Wednesday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

ARHS staff and county partners will be operating drive through clinics during these times and vaccine will be available first come first serve, as long as vaccine is available.

There is no cost for the vaccine, however those with insurance will be asked for that information. Individuals will be asked to provide vaccination registration information and wait for 15 minutes following the vaccine as per standard protocol. Information on the vaccine and a card will be provided that will remind vaccine recipients when the second dose is due, approximately 3-4 weeks following the first dose.

“ARHS is mobilizing all of our public health resources to meet the demand we are experiencing and serve individuals in phase 1A and 1B Group 1,” said R. Battle Betts, Jr., MPA, Albemarle Regional Health director. “We ask our residents to review these guidelines and allow these priority groups to be served on these dates.

“As additional supplies are made available and we begin to move to vaccination of other phases, we will offer additional clinics across the district. We thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation as we respond to this pandemic.”

Note that once vaccinated, protection is not immediate. The two-dose series is needed then it will take one to two weeks following the second dose to be considered fully vaccinated. The CDC also notes that no vaccine is 100% effective.

Given this information, vaccinated persons should continue to follow all guidance, states ARHS.

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