For Immediate Release

12/17/2020                        

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

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

**Please note that Rowan County Public Health has moved their COVID testing site to the West End Plaza(1935 Jake Alexander Blvd., West), as of Wednesday, Dec. 9th.

**Also please note, Rapid Testing will be held TODAY at Rowan County Public Health (1811 East Innes Street) from 9 am to 12 noon . 

Rowan County’s Tentative Plan to Administer the COVID-19 Vaccination

As Rowan County Public Health prepares to receive our first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine, we wanted to share with you what we know thus far and to remind you how each phase of distribution will work. Please keep in mind that we are working very hard to keep abreast of all and any changes. Currently the information we are receiving changes often, if not daily.  Please be reassured that Rowan County Public Health continues to work very closely with our local Emergency Services and other members of our community to ensure we get our community vaccinated in a timely and appropriate manner. Below are things that we currently know, along with an infographic that will explain how the distribution plan will work for this vaccine:

• It is estimated that Rowan County Public Health will receive their first shipment of vaccine sometime next week.
• We will receive the Moderna vaccination contingent on the approval of the FDA, which could be as early as today, Thursday, December 17th.
• At this time, we do not how many doses we will receive.
• As noted in the infographic below, healthcare workers and first responders will be the first ones to receive the vaccination based on our guidance from NC Department of Health and Human Services. This particular group of individuals (1a) is at a higher risk for exposure to COVID-19, due to their job responsibilities.
• The Moderna vaccination will require two doses, with the second dose being given 28 days after the first dose.
• The vaccination will not be totally effective without receiving both doses.
• A detailed FDA analysis of the Moderna vaccine, which was released on Dec. 11, found that for people ages 18 to 64 the effectiveness is 96%, compared with 86% for people 65 and older.
• The Moderna vaccination has been found safe to administer to pregnant women; however, we highly encourage you to discuss this with your doctor before receiving the vaccine.
• The Moderna vaccine is known to be safe for anyone 18 years of age and older.
• Once Rowan County Public Health is ready to vaccine the general population/community, we will host vaccination clinics at the West End Plaza (1935 Jake Alexander Blvd., West). More information will follow concerning upcoming dates and times.
• The vaccination will be total FREE and no insurance cards will be needed.
• While you wait to get vaccinated, remember the 3W’s and continue to practice this, even after you are vaccinated—it will take some time for our whole community to get vaccinated and to build an effective immunity to COVID-19.
• Remember with Christmas and New Year’s upon us to be responsible and not only practice the 3W’s, but also practice the 3C’s. If you have to get together with anyone outside your immediate household, get tested beforehand, keep your group to less than ten people, and meet outside.
• Please know that Rowan County Public Health is committed to keeping our community informed of any new information and/or changes through our website, Facebook page, and our partnership with our local media channels. 

###

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

Download Media Release COVID-19 - December 17, 2020 (PDF)