News Flash

For Immediate Release

07/15/2021    

COVID-19 Information

Phone: 980-432-1800
Website: www.rowancountync.gov/COVID-19
Email: covid-19@rowancountync.gov

Vaccine Information

Website: www.rowancountync.gov/COVIDvaccine
Follow Us: www.facebook.com/rowancountyhealth 

Rowan County COVID-19 Case Information: https://bit.ly/rowan-covid19-hub

NC DHHS Urges Non-Vaccinated North Carolinians to Get Vaccinated as the Delta Variant Spreads

Currently, you may have heard about the new COVID variants, especially the Delta variant, and how It is affecting people throughout our country. Here in North Carolina, health officials are concerned with the recent uptick in cases that are being seen through the state’s COVID-19 warning systems.

North Carolina officials say as the more infectious and potentially more dangerous Delta variant rapidly spreads, the number of hospitalizations and deaths within our state are again increasing.

As a result, NC’s Health and Human Services officials are urging all unvaccinated North Carolinians to get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.

 “Vaccines remain the best protection against COVID-19, including against the Delta variant,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore. “Nationwide, more than 50% of new cases are now caused by the Delta variant, and the number of Delta variant cases is rapidly increasing in North Carolina.”

North Carolina’s early warning systems are now showing more people going to the emergency department with COVID-like illness, as well as showing elevated viral levels in wastewater in certain regions of the state.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classified the Delta variant as a “variant of concern” because it spreads faster than any of the other current COVID-19 variants. In addition to this, early studies now show a possible increased risk of hospitalization in people infected with the Delta variant.

“Don’t wait to vaccinate. Serious illness, hospitalization, death and the long-term effects experienced by many who have had COVID-19 are preventable with vaccines,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. “Protect yourself and those you love by getting vaccinated now.” Since May, research has shown that more than 99% of new cases in North Carolina have occurred in people who are not fully vaccinated.

 While the state’s trends are far below where they were at the height of the pandemic, cases increased by 12% during the week of June 28^th, compared to the previous week. In addition to an increase in the number of cases, hospitalizations increased by 8% over the past seven days, as well. 

If you and/or your child still needs to get a COVID vaccine, please visit the CDC’s vaccine finder. Here, you will find a number of local agencies/businesses that are offering COVID vaccines in Rowan County, such as:

• Novant Health at the J. F. Hurley YMCA; Walk-ins are accepted W-F 8 am – 5 pm 
• Larger chain pharmacies: CVS and Walgreens
• Grocery Stores: Walmart, Food Lion (Salisbury and China Grove), Sam’s Club
• Local pharmacies: Moose Pharmacy, The Medicine Shoppe, and Cannon Pharmacy
• Provider offices: Rowan County Public Health, Rowan Diagnostic Clinic, Pro Med, and Salisbury Pediatric (only for established patients)

To find out more information about which vaccines are being offered and when they are being offered, please contact the agency/business directly.  It is important to know that when seeking out a COVID vaccine for your child, any child younger than 12 is not currently eligible to receive a vaccine. However, if your child is 12 years old and older, they can receive the following vaccines based on their age:

• Pfizer Vaccine (age 12+)
• Moderna Vaccine (age 18+)
• Johnson and Johnson (age 18+)

Also if you are not feeling well and/or if you have come in contact with someone that has COVID, please visit our website. Here you will find a list of different agencies within Rowan County that are offering testing at this time. We highly recommend that you contact the listed agencies to find out if an appointment is necessary and if there is any cost associated with having a test.  

Please do your part in helping our community avoid another outbreak…get your COVID vaccination as soon as possible! Also, if you have not received a complete COVID vaccination, please continue to practice the 3W’s until you are fully vaccinated. Please note that an individual is not considered fully vaccinated until 2 weeks after receiving their chosen vaccine. 

If you should have any further questions about being tested for COVID and/or getting your COVID vaccine, please feel free to contact our COVID Hotline at 980-432-1800.

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Contact:
Amy Smith
704-216-8859
amy.smith@rowancountync.gov

Download Media Release COVID-19 - July 12, 2021 (PDF)