CONCORD, N.C. — Just hours after the first COVID-19 vaccinations were administered to the public Wednesday morning, health officials in Cabarrus County said they were at max capacity, closing up for the day.
Cars began lining up by 4:30 a.m. outside the Cabarrus County Arena and Events Center. By 6 a.m., more than two dozen people were in line. Unlike Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County doesn't require preregistration for vaccination. Just after 11:30, the parking lot was full and the clinic stopped accepting more people in line.
"We rather reroute people to other clinics and other days then have them sit and found out last minute that they can't get it," Marcella Beam, Public Information Officer for Cabarrus Health Alliance said.
Jerry Dennis was among the first in line. He and his wife arrived around 5 a.m. to make sure they could be vaccinated. Phase 1b vaccinations are now available for members of the general public age 75 and older, regardless of health condition or living situation.
"I wanted to make sure to get here before they run out," he said with a smile.
Phase 1B started Wednesday in several counties, including Cabarrus. Seniors 75 years and older can get their vaccination from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 10, Tuesday, Jan. 12, and Thursday, Jan. 14.
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"This has got to be the worst situation ever," Dennis said about how the pandemic has affected his life.
Since there is no need for seniors to set an appointment in Cabarrus County before coming to the vaccination area, cars started lining up in the early hours of the morning.
"I think we just feel bad we've got people in line waiting and we don't want that we want to get them through as quick as possible, but it is a vaccine it is a medical process and we have to follow those procedures," Beam said.
County health officials say if seniors have insurance, they can bring their cards, but it's not a requirement. They also do not have to prove residency but do need documentation showing their age. After someone gets the vaccine, nurses monitor them to make sure they don't have reactions.
Dennis, who said that he and his wife did a lot of traveling before COVID-19, said today's process will help them get back to what life use to be like. "It will give us some freedom back," he said.
Meanwhile, for Jim Lyerly, Wednesday was overwhelming.
"My wife and I have waited for nine months. It's a relief to be able to know the end is in sight and thank god for modern medicine," Lyerly said.
After waiting in line for a little over four hours, him and his wife got the shot of hope.
"I did not feel anything, which is good," Lyerly said. "You got to remember you got to keep the faith keep going its coming, the light at the end of the tunnel got big and it's here today."
Beam also offered a reminder, that caretakers of those who are 75 years old are not eligible for the vaccine yet. Also, for those coming from out of Cabarrus County, to look into the resources from their own health department.