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1. How do I get the vaccine?

Anyone 5 or older can now receive a vaccine! Just click here to signup for an appointment. If no appointments are available, keep checking the site for additional appointments as we receive additional doses.

2. When can I receive the vaccine?

Anyone 5 or older can receive a dose of the vaccine. Just sign up for an appointment here on our website at www.waynegov.com/vaccine

3. How much is the vaccine?

The federal government has purchased the vaccines and there will be no cost to individuals being vaccinated.

4. Should I have my child vaccinated?

During a recent surge, pediatric cases of COVID-19 rose by about 240% in the United States, demonstrating a need to protect children from the disease. Results from clinical trials that began in March 2021 showed the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was safe and effective to protect children ages 5–11 from COVID-19.

More than 3,000 children ages 5–11 participated in the trials with volunteers from different races and ethnicities (77% white, 6% African American/Black, 8% Asian, 17% Hispanic/Latinx and 7% multiracial). This is comparable to the number included in many similar clinical trials with children.  

Children are given two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Each dose is one-third the amount given to people ages 12 and older. The dose for 5–11 year olds is different from the dose authorized for people ages 12 and older, and children in this age group should not receive the 12 and older dose.

The vaccine is effective and produced a similar immune response in children 5–11 as in older kids and adults ages 16–25. As with other routine vaccinations for children, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine underwent a thorough testing and review process by the FDA and an independent scientific committee to ensure it is safe and effective for children.

Here is a video from the American Academy of Pediatrics on the vaccine: COVID-19 and kids: How mRNA vaccines work

5. Is the vaccine safe?

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccine safety from NCDHHS here.

6. Are there any side effects from the vaccine?

No serious side effects have been reported. But people have reported temporary reactions like sore arms, tiredness, and feeling off for a day or two after receiving the vaccine. These temporary reactions were more common after the second vaccine dose.

7. Why are two shots necessary?

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two shots a set number of days apart. You need two doses to build up strong immunity against COVID. The second shot will come about 3-4 weeks after the first. It is important to get two doses of the same vaccine.

8. How do I know when to get the second shot?

North Carolina will use a secure data system called the COVID-19 Vaccine Management System (CVMS) to make sure you are safe and get your second shot at the right time. If you received your first shot with Wayne County, you will be receiving an appointment for your second dose.

9. Is vaccination required?

No. North Carolina has no plan to require people to be vaccinated against COVID-19. It is possible that some employers or schools will require vaccines for their employees or students.