From Staff Reports 

RALEIGH — Additional frontline essential workers in Group 3 are eligible for vaccinations beginning March 3, Gov. Roy Cooper and  Dr. Mandy K. Cohen, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, announced on March 2.

The expedited timeline follows the approval of the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine and an expected increase in vaccine supply to North Carolina.

“The state and our providers continue to work extremely hard to get people vaccinated in a way that’s fast and fair,” Cooper said. 

“The third vaccine and improving vaccine supply will help us get more people vaccinated more quickly. Our essential frontline workers have remained on the job throughout this pandemic and I am grateful for their work.”

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine comes as the federal government has also increased vaccine in North Carolina beyond the state’s allocation. 

A new federally supported site opened in Greensboro in the second week of March, and Walgreens is providing vaccine through the federal pharmacy program. 

“While there is still not enough vaccine for everyone, the improved supply has contributed to providers reporting readiness to expand access to additional Group 3 essential workers,” a press release from the governor’s office stated.

“Under the timeline outlined March 2, providers may move to vaccinating these individuals on March 3,” the release noted.