Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Albemarle Regional Health Services (ARHS) is hosting COVID-19 vaccine clinics throughout its service area on Wednesday, Jan. 6 and Thursday, Jan. 7.

The Northampton County Health Department is also administering vaccinations.

Vaccines will be available to anyone in the following categories:

Current Phase- Phase 1a: Healthcare workers fighting COVID-19 and long-term care staff and residents. Hospitals and local health departments are vaccinating healthcare workers caring for and working directly with patients with COVID-19 and those giving vaccines. In addition, the federal government is vaccinating long-term care residents and staff.

Phase 1b: Adults 75 years or older and frontline essential workers.

Group 1: Anyone 75 years or older regardless of medical condition or living situation. People do not have to have a

chronic health condition.

Locally, vaccination clinics will be held as follows:

Bertie County Health Dept. in Windsor from 9 am until 12 noon on Wednesday, Jan. 6 and from 9 am until 6 pm on Thursday, Jan. 7.

Gates County Health Dept. from 9 am until 4 pm on Wednesday, Jan. 6 and from 9 am until 6 pm on Thursday, Jan. 7.

Hertford County citizens, who qualify under the criteria listed above, can receive their vaccinations from 9 am until 4 pm on Wednesday, Jan. 6 and from 9 am until 6 pm on Thursday, Jan. 7 at the Ahoskie Creek Amphitheater.

The Northampton County Health Department is currently vaccinating people that fall into Phase 1a. They anticipate moving into Group 1 of Phase 1b on Wednesday, Jan. 6. If you fall into Group 1 of Phase 1b (individuals 75 years and older) please call the Northampton Health Department at 252-534-5841 to schedule an appointment to receive your vaccine.

ARHS staff and county partners will be operating drive through clinics during these times and the vaccine will be available first come, first serve, as long as vaccine is available.

There will be no cost for the vaccine, however if you have insurance, officials will ask for that information.

Individuals will be asked to provide vaccination registration information and wait for 15 minutes following the vaccine as per standard protocol.

Information on the vaccine and a card will be provided that will remind you of when your second dose is due, approximately 3-4 weeks following the first dose.

“As additional supplies are made available and we begin to move to vaccination of other phases, we will offer additional clinics across the district. We thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation as we respond to this pandemic,” stated R. Battle Betts, Jr., ARHS Health Director.

Please note that once vaccinated, protection is NOT immediate. The two-dose series is needed, then it will take 1 to 2 weeks following the second dose to be considered fully vaccinated. CDC also notes that no vaccine is 100% effective.

Given this information, vaccinated persons should continue to follow all guidance including:

Wearing a mask

Staying at least 6 ft. away from others

Avoiding crowds

Washing hands often

Following CDC Travel Guidance

Following isolation guidance if sick

Following quarantine guidance if exposed

Following workplace and school guidance if applicable