All Americans 16 and older now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine

CHARLOTTE — Everyone at least 16 years old in the U.S. is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine and, in North Carolina, it has never been easier to get a shot.

Tucked in a shopping center near the mall, Pineville Pharmacy takes pride in treating its customers.

“We just to give a more personalized service and level of care that is just unbeatable,” said Kishan Patel, owner and pharmacist of Pineville Pharmacy.

Patel said he is vaccinating at least 200 people a week. More than 1,000 people got their shots from his pharmacy.

“We are just so glad we are able to do our job, and we are able to use our knowledge and skills to help people and end this pandemic,” he said.

Across the U.S., millions of people are now able to head to providers and get a dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

The latest numbers indicate that 50% of adults received at least one jab. In an interview with Eyewitness News, Assistant Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said there is still work to be done (Watch her interview below).

US assistant secretary of health talks next steps to getting everyone vaccinated for COVID-19

“We’re not satisfied yet,” she said. “We want, really, every adult to be able to have access now and to be able to get the vaccine.”

In North Carolina, around 47% of adults 18 and older have received at least one shot. Mecklenburg County’s latest report last week indicated more than 30% of the total population got at least one shot. The state hasn’t outlined goals for what percentage of people need to get their shot for herd immunity.

The deputy health director of Mecklenburg County previously estimated about 70% is needed locally.

Levine stressed that shots are how the country will get back to normal.

“The way that that we get out of this pandemic is through the safe and effective vaccine,” she said. “We want everyone to get it.”

Appointments in Charlotte are now easy to come by. StarMed’s Sheraton Airport Hotel site is taking walk-ins every day. StarMed will provide a second dose of the Pfizer vaccine regardless of where the first shot was administered. Pineville Pharmacy also has widespread availability and will hold clinics for groups and employers that want to organize vaccine events.

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While supply may be beating demand, Patel hopes people take advantage of this life-saving vaccine.

“There are still so many people that have not gotten their vaccine so we would encourage people to go out there and get their vaccines because we still have a long way to go,” he said.

To register for a vaccine through Pineville Pharmacy, click here.

Every U.S. state has opened COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to all adults (NCD)

Cox Media Group