RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – North Carolina health officials said some shipments and deliveries for COVID-19 vaccines are delayed due to severe weather across the country.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said the federal government informed it of the delays.
Both first and second dose shipments have been impacted, NCDHHS said.
As of Thursday, Moderna vaccines have not been shipped this week and some Pfizer does have made it out.
NCDHHS said both Pfizer and Moderna have a backlog of orders due to weather.
Vaccination appointments to be postponed or rescheduled du to these delays.
NCDHHS said it is advising providers to assess current appointments and notify recipients accordingly based on on-hand supplies.
In eastern North Carolina, Albemarle Regional Health Services said it would not be announcing first and second dose clinics for the week of Feb. 22-25 due to the weather’s delay on shipments.
The updated clinic schedules will be announced as soon as more shipping dates are solidified.
“ARHS is aware that individuals will need their second doses next week. Rest assured that you will receive your guaranteed dosage upon arrival,” the health district said. “Second doses can be administered up to six weeks (42 days) following the first dose.”
“This unforeseen delay in vaccine arriving to the region due to extreme weather conditions across the United States will impact our vaccine clinics next week,” states R. Battle Betts Jr., MPA, Health Director. “We continue to appreciate everyone’s patience with the vaccine process and we hope to move forward with vaccine clinics as soon as we have notice that vaccine shipments are on their way. Please continue to monitor media outlets for schedule updates.”