Pittsboro, NC – As of Wednesday, July 7, 50% of the Chatham County population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, marking a significant milestone in the county’s fight to end the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the NC Department of Health and Human Services’ (NCDHHS) COVID-19 vaccine dashboard, Chatham became the 10th county in the state to reach that figure.
Additionally, around 60% of the county’s eligible population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
“We are grateful to the 37,000 Chatham residents who have taken the simple action of getting the COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves and those around them,” said Chatham County Public Health Director Mike Zelek. “This is how we beat COVID-19, and it’s as easy as ever for others to join this group. The benefits from being vaccinated are clear. From those of us working in public health and healthcare who have seen the damage that COVID-19 has caused over the past 16 months, as well as the joy, relief and protection that the COVID-19 vaccine brings, we encourage you to join this 50% and roll up your sleeve today.”
Among the benefits those who are vaccinated get from rolling up their sleeve:
Protection from COVID-19: From May 6 to June 28, 2021, 99% of COVID-19 cases, 99% of hospitalizations and 99% of COVID-19 deaths in North Carolina were among unvaccinated people, according to NCDHHS. Safety Around Others: Those who are vaccinated are much less likely to get COVID-19 from or give COVID-19 to others, so they can be around both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals much more safely than those who are not fully vaccinated.No Need to Quarantine: Unless they are experiencing symptoms, vaccinated people do not need to quarantine if they’ve recently spent time or came into close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. This means they do not need to miss two weeks of school, work or gatherings outside of the home due to quarantine, another reason why getting vaccinated is the best way to get back to normal.Ending the Pandemic: High vaccination rates are the way we end COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of vaccinations can already be seen in current low case rates, which will continue to decline as vaccination rates increase.Joining the Community: The vaccine is not experimental. In Chatham County alone, 37,000 people have now gotten one of the three safe and effective vaccines. By getting vaccinated, folks are joining a group of people taking steps to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community.
By visiting myspot.nc.gov, residents can put in their city or ZIP code and find multiple locations in their area to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Locations are also sortable by type of vaccine: the Pfizer vaccine, which is available to all individuals 12 years of age and older, and the Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines, which are available to all individuals 18 years of age and older. There are many options in and around Chatham County.
Reasons Why from the 37,000
“The more of us that are healthy, that are able, that have access that actually get the vaccine, the closer we get to protecting our entire community, including those vulnerable people. Those of us that are not able to actually directly impact the outcome of the pandemic, the very least we can do is get the shot when it is available in our community so we can protect our vulnerable populations.” – Karen Howard, Chatham County Commissioner
“It is imperative these days when we look at what’s happening all over the world and in our own backyard that we take all the precautions that are necessary to ensure that we’re safe and that we can live. It was important for me as a pastor, as a leader, to set the example for others to follow.” – Rev. Dr. Joshua T. Jones, Senior Pastor, Roberts Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Goldston
“When you’re thinking about whether or not the get the vaccine, this isn’t just about you. If you don’t get it, everyone you love could potentially be infected, and the faster that we get these vaccinations done, the faster we can return back to normal life.” – N.C. Rep. Robert T. Reives II, Goldston resident
“I’ve gotten my vaccine and I feel great. I’m very proud that I’m able to help my community and my team. I’m proud to be able to help my family and my community. Together we can win against this pandemic. With the vaccine, I know that we can.” – Paul Cuadros, boys’ soccer coach, Jordan-Matthews High School, Siler City
“I got my vaccine because I wanted to protect all the people in the community, in my household and the people I love. I have faith in the vaccine because it has been proven to be safe, had many clinical trials, and the vaccine science behind it has been in practice for many years.” – Julie Goodwin, RN, Public Health Nurse Supervisor, Chatham County Public Health Department
“I was very happy in getting the first and then the second and even more pleased and exhilarated now that I have both. I’m confident now that I’m in a better place and I’m more protected.” – Dennis Streets, Executive Director, Chatham County Council on Aging
See more reasons why from these Chathamites at CCPHD’s YouTube channel here.
COVID-19 Testing Shifts from Pittsboro To Goldston
Starting next week, StarMed Healthcare will be providing COVID-19 testing at Goldston Town Hall, 40A Coral Avenue, Goldston, from 2-7 PM on Wednesdays alongside its COVID-19 vaccination clinic. The Monday testing events previously held at the Central Carolina Community College campus in Pittsboro will no longer be held.
StarMed will offer nasal swab PCR tests for no cost and optional rapid blood antibody tests for $50 at each. Text the word “COVID” to (704) 850-6996 to pre-register and complete a virtual visit to reduce wait time for testing. Patients can also register onsite and be screened by a provider.
To see a full list of COVID-19 testing sites in and around Chatham County, visit here. Learn more about COVID-19 testing here.
To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and the CCPHD’s vaccination plans, visit here. To learn more about the Chatham County Public Health Department, visit here or Facebook.