North Carolina is moving to the next phase of Covid-19 vaccine distribution soon. But Group 3 is going to get the shot in phases.
First up: educators and child care workers, even though state officials insist that these people don’t need the vaccine to be safe as long as schools keep Covid protocols in place.
Secretary of the state’s Department of Health and Human Services, Dr. Mandy Cohen, says because the vaccine supply is so limited and Group 3 is so large, they’re moving into this phase gradually.
"Therefore, beginning on February 24th, frontline essential workers who work in childcare or in pre-K – 12 schools will become eligible for the Covid vaccine. This includes staff in childcare centers and homes, Head Start programs, preschool and pre-K programs, traditional public schools, charter schools, and private schools.
"Anyone who must be in person, like teachers, bus drivers, van drivers, custodial and maintenance staff, and food service workers will be eligible to take their shot."
The second phase of Group 3 starts March 10th when additional frontline workers become eligible. Those categories include critical manufacturing – such as meat-packing plant workers, those who work in grocery stores and restaurants, government workers, and public safety and public transit. But whether these other workers will be scheduled in phases is unclear.
In the meantime, providers are still prioritizing health care workers, those who work and live in long-term care facilities, and anyone 65 and over.
