CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Novant Health today announced a new primary location for COVID-19 vaccination appointments in the Charlotte market. Located in east Charlotte’s Triangle Shopping Center, this 29,000-square-foot space will serve as a permanent site with the ability to accommodate up to 3,000 appointments a day, as supply allows.
The healthcare system’s current vaccination site in Matthews will scale down its operations with plans to cease vaccinating in a few weeks.
“We are thrilled to transition our Charlotte vaccination efforts to this new location, which has the space needed to help our teams streamline operations and get more people, in, out and vaccinated,” said John Howard, senior vice president, Novant Health, and chief operating officer, Novant Health Physician Network. “This relocation could not come at a better time as we open up to Group 3.”
Novant Health will notify patients impacted by the relocation. Patients who currently have a first dose vaccination appointment scheduled at the Matthews vaccination clinic will now come to this location on the same day, at the same time. Patients who already have their second dose appointment scheduled for Matthews will not be affected and will have with their appointment at the original location.
Novant Health Medical Group - East Meck, which is located at 6070 E. Independence Blvd., will be open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. As a reminder, vaccinations are by appointment only, and this location will not be able to accommodate walk-ins.
Also beginning today, Novant Health will now administer the vaccine to people who work in-person at child care or pre-K-to-12 education facilities, following North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) guidelines. However, the health care system notes appointments remain limited.
“We absolutely support expanding eligibility to include our educators and child care workers, but it’s important our communities know that our supply has not expanded. Appointments will remain limited, but we’re working as hard as we can to exhaust our supply, every week, and stand ready to manage more,” added Howard.
With no formal verification process in place at the federal, state or local levels, Novant Health relies on community members’ self-identification to determine their eligibility. Novant Health is asking all community members to carefully review the state guidelines to ensure they are currently eligible to hold a vaccination appointment.
“It’s our hope, and expectation, that people only register when they are eligible, and, that when they register, they provide truthful and accurate information,” said Howard. “The unfortunate reality is that people are looking to jump the line, and some will be successful in that no matter what mechanisms we have in place. It’s important we all follow state guidelines to ensure those who are most vulnerable among us have access to an appointment.”
Below is the key information eligible appointment holders need to know:
• All vaccinations are by appointment only. To avoid delays, we ask that patients arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before their appointment.
• The vaccine is given in the upper arm, and we vaccinate in an open room with other patients nearby. We ask patients wear clothing that allows the vaccinator to easily access the upper arm.
• A mask that covers the nose and mouth is required at all times. We will provide a mask should someone not have one.
• Expect to remain at the site for 15 to 30 minutes after receiving the vaccine for observation.
• Do not come to an appointment if you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, are under quarantine or have a COVID-19 test result pending.
• One support person is allowed, but that person should be healthy, with no cough, fever or flu-like symptoms. They will also need to wear a mask while in the center.
As a reminder, the best way for community members to get notified of their eligibility, and to schedule an appointment when it’s their turn, is through MyChart. You do not have to be a patient to sign up for a MyChart account at MyNovant.org. For more information, including to preregister, visit GetVaccinated.org
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