New Hanover County issued the following announcement on Dec. 16.
New Hanover County Health and Human Services will offer a sensory-friendly COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Independence Mall (3500 Oleander Drive) on Wednesday, December 22 from 2-6 p.m. This clinic, which is open to anyone 5 years old and up, will provide families an opportunity to get vaccinated in a more sensory-sensitive environment.
“We know how difficult it can be to take a child or family member into a medical facility if they have sensory-related issues, especially for something like a vaccine,” said Health Director David Howard. “This clinic is designed to alleviate some of that stress by providing a welcoming environment for families looking to take preventative measures in the fight against COVID-19.”
At the clinic, the Pfizer (Comirnaty) COVID-19 vaccine will be available to anyone 5 years or older, while Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines can be received by anyone 18-and-up. Additionally, adult and pediatric booster doses will be available to those who are eligible.
The sensory-sensitive clinic will have specialized nurses trained in working with individuals who experience sensory-related issues, while having less people in the room to allow for more space and lower lighting when possible. Appointments for the clinic are highly recommended and can be made by visiting TakeMyShot.NC.gov.
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, New Hanover County Health and Human Services’ clinics and other healthcare providers in the county have administered a combined total of 3,542 COVID-19 vaccine first doses thus far to children ages 5-11, with 2,351 children fully vaccinated.
“To have more than 3,500 children in our community receive the first dose of the COVID vaccine in a little over a month since vaccines became available to those ages 5-11 is a really great start,” Howard said. “Obviously, we would like to see those numbers continue to increase, especially as holiday gatherings and other events move indoors with colder weather. We encourage anyone interested in getting vaccinated to make an appointment online or call the Coronavirus Call Center at 910-798-6800 for more information.”
Holiday clinic schedule update
As a reminder, the New Hanover County Health and Human Services Clinics at 1650 Greenfield Street and Independence Mall will be closed December 23-27. Both clinics will reopen on December 28. The clinics will also be closed on December 31 and reopen on January 3 for regular clinic hours.
COVID-19 Community Data, as of December 16:
- New Hanover County’s percent positivity rate is 5.8 percent (this represents positive COVID-19 tests as a percent of total tests performed countywide).
- Over the past 14 days, 495 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the county which is an average of 35.4 cases per day.
- Approximately 150,388 New Hanover County residents (about 64 percent) have received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and approximately 142,607 residents (about 61 percent) are fully vaccinated and protected from COVID-19.
“The number of positive COVID cases in our county is rising and has been since a little before Thanksgiving,” said Health and Human Services Director Donna Fayko. “We must all use our best judgement and take steps to protect our health as we gather more during the holidays. If you’re around others in a crowded space, we encourage you to wear a mask and socially distance when you’re able. And if you haven’t been vaccinated or received a booster and are eligible, please do that as soon as possible.”
Original source can be found here.
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