Anyone 16 or older can make COVID-19 vaccine appointment in Meck County

CHARLOTTE — If you’ve been having a hard time finding a vaccine appointment in Mecklenburg County, Tuesday may have been your lucky day.

Health officials opened up new appointments at 8:30 a.m. People in Group 5 could sign up, but they had to book their appointment for a date on or after April 7.

The vaccinations will take place at Bojangles Coliseum through a partnership with StarMed. But before that, you have to make an appointment, which currently run through April 12.

All Group 5 vaccination appointments through April 12 at the Bojangles’ Coliseum vaccination clinic have been filled. There are still slots open for other groups at the coliseum and at other locations.

The county will release new appointments every Wednesday at 8:30 a.m., starting on April 7.

NC looking to expand vaccine access before all adults become eligible

Next week, every adult will join the race to vaccinate in North Carolina and behind the scenes, state and local health officials are getting ready.

April 7 is the day anyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccine will become eligible, and that means the number of places you can get one will have to expand.

>> Have questions about the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the Carolinas? We have an entire section dedicated to coverage of the outbreak -- CLICK HERE FOR MORE.

Many people who have gotten the vaccine so far have done so at large sites like Bojangles Coliseum, most run by county health officials or local hospitals. Moving forward, however, leaders are working to get more vaccine into more places.

Starting April 7, everyone 16 and older in North Carolina will be eligible for the vaccine. Recent data shows 79% of Mecklenburg County’s total population is 16 and older.

State leaders said they are working to add more vaccine providers, like doctors offices and pharmacies, to administer the vaccine.

Novant Health is looking to partner with local colleges, clinics, and even local businesses.

No specific businesses were named, but a spokesperson for Novant Health said the work is going on behind the scenes.

“We meet weekly with our health departments and we have internal groups in Novant that work with businesses and begin preparations of how we could partner and go on-site with them,” Nikki Nissen with Novant Health said.

MacKenzie Spence has been thinking about becoming one of those business partners by possibly providing unused space at a South End hair salon.

“Really providing more for the community and doing what we can for the community,” Spence said. “If hosting something or partnering in some way to make vaccines more readily available, if that is what Charlotte needs, that’s something we’ve thought about and considered.”

Right now, it is unclear what businesses will help expand accessibility in the Charlotte area.

Having trouble getting a vaccine appointment? Here’s what to know about scheduling one

Cox Media Group