Atrium Health receives first COVID-19 vaccines

Coronavirus Updates

COVID-19 Vaccine Arrives at Atrium Health: LIVE UPDATES

The COVID-19 vaccine has officially arrived at Atrium Health. Follow along for live updates:

Editor's note: This page is dedicated toward providing the latest developments and updates about the COVID-19 vaccine. Follow along below, or on our social media channels (Facebook, Twitter) for the latest coverage. 

*Latest update: Sunday, January 24 at 3:08 p.m.

On Wednesday, Jan. 6, the first members of the general public began receiving the COVID-19 vaccine from Atrium Health, as North Carolina moved from Phase 1a to Phase 1b, Group 1, of its vaccine priority distribution plan. Atrium Health became the first health system in the region to begin providing mass vaccinations to those who are at least 65 years of age, following guidance from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.  

Thousands have already taken advantage and scheduled their appointments with ease through their existing MyAtriumHealth account. Those who don’t have a MyAtriumHealth account can create one or schedule a vaccination appointment by phone, if assistance is needed. Vaccination appointments are required due to current vaccine supply and storage requirements of the Pfizer-manufactured vaccine. Once vaccinated, it is also required for patients to remain on-site to be continually monitored by a medical professional for 15 minutes following their vaccination. This safety measure applies to both drive-thru locations and office visits for teammates who receive their vaccination in one of our facilities. 

Sunday, January 24, 2021

3:08 p.m.

Mass Vaccination Event Jan 29-31 at Bank of America Stadium 

Friday, January 22, 2021

8:02 a.m.

First Mass Vaccination Event from Public-Private Partnership Will Vaccinate Over 16,000

As more people continue to become eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, a unique public-private partnership will host the first of several mass vaccination events in the community beginning today, Jan. 22, at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Over the course of the three-day weekend period, Atrium Health will be administering over 16,000 vaccinations to people who are at least 65 years of age at Charlotte Motor Speedway, as the first of two announced mass vaccination sites at professional sports venues. 

As more people continue to become eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, a unique public-private partnership will host the first of several mass vaccination events in the community beginning today, Jan. 22, at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Thursday, January 21, 2021

3:25 p.m. 

Atrium Health Launches “Community Immunity For All” Collaborative to Vaccinate Underserved Communities

Atrium Health has announced a new collaborative, "Community Immunity For All" in an effort to vaccinate underserved communities and those most disproportionately affected by the coronavirus disease. The "Community Immunity For All" collaborative has a united goal to acknowledge the history of health injustice in communities of color, listen to and collaborate with partner organizations, and educate and support individuals in making informed decisions to best protect their health and well-being. Atrium Health is coordinating on-site vaccination events in partnership with local organizations reaching African American and Hispanic communities to ensure equity in access to safe, effective and FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines. 

Atrium Health has announced a new collaborative, “Community Immunity For All” in an effort to vaccinate underserved communities and those most disproportionately affected by the coronavirus disease. The “Community Immunity For All” collaborative has a united goal to acknowledge the history of health injustice in communities of color, listen to and collaborate with partner organizations, and educate and support individuals in making informed decisions to best protect their health and well-being.

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

1:18 p.m.

Following Dot’s Footsteps. Again.

Dorothy Counts-Scoggins’ journey to become a community leader began with a car ride. When she was 15, her father drove her to her first day at Harding High School, where she’d become the first Black student to enroll.  On that day, September 4, 1957, she stepped out of the car and embarked on a walk to integrate Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. On her way in, children and adults taunted her. Spit at her. Yet she walked, resolutely, each step making history.

In the decades since, Ms. Counts-Scoggins has remained a force for equality and hope in Charlotte. Her activism continued with another car ride on January 6, 2021, when she drove to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center to join the first members of the Charlotte community to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Dorothy Counts-Scoggins, a Charlotte civil rights hero, has devoted her life to advocating for her westside community. She now offers a new message: Things will get better, and the vaccine is our best hope.

Thursday, January 15, 2021

7:48 a.m.

Public-Private Partnership Commits to 1 Million Vaccinations by July 4

Honeywell, Atrium Health, Tepper Sports & Entertainment and the Charlotte Motor Speedway have announced a unique public-private partnership with the State of North Carolina, and backed by Gov. Roy Cooper, to support the goal of 1 million COVID-19 vaccinations by July 4, 2021. In collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, these organizations aim to unleash their combined strength to vaccinate as many frontline workers, members of the general public and of underserved communities as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Atrium Health, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Honeywell and Tepper Sports & Entertainment, have announced a goal to support 1 million vaccinations by July 4, 2021.

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

11:06 a.m. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Expanded to Rural Communities for Qualified Patients

In a continuing effort to offer mass COVID-19 vaccinations across the region, Atrium Health is now administering vaccines at Atrium Health Union, Atrium Health Lincoln and Atrium Health Cabarrus. Hear from some of the first patients that received the first dose of their vaccine in these rural communities talk about the importance of receiving their vaccine.

Monday, January 11, 2021

8:18 a.m. 

Atrium Health Administers COVID-19 Vaccine in Rural Communities

Tens of thousands of residents in rural North Carolina now have access to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, close to home. On Monday, three more Atrium Health facilities began offering the vaccine to members of the general public: Atrium Health Cabarrus, Atrium Health Lincoln, and Atrium Health Union. This is part of Atrium Health’s plans to offer mass vaccinations to people across the region in multiple, convenient locations as soon as possible.  

Atrium Health vaccine drive-thru

Friday, January 8, 2021

5:08 p.m.

Atrium Health Opens Novavax Vaccine Clinical Trial for COVID-19

Eight participants are officially enrolled in Atrium Health’s first vaccine clinical trial for COVID-19. The trial is testing the safety and effectiveness of a vaccine produced by a company named Novavax.

In this video, Dr. Christine Turley, vice-chair of research at Atrium Health Levine Children’s and lead physician investigator of the trial, explains the significance of clinical trials and how participation in a trial will help guide us towards another FDA approved vaccine for COVID-19.

 

3:35 p.m.

A Reflection on the First Day of Providing COVID-19 Vaccinations to the Public

January 6, 2021, was an exciting day at Atrium Health as we administered the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to members of the public. Patients 75 years of age and older lined up in their cars to receive the vaccine.

“Scheduling and receiving the vaccine when it’s available is the best way we can all take part in ending this pandemic while saving many lives in the process.” – Dr. Gary Little, chief medical officer

 

2:08 p.m.

Chief Nursing Informatics Officer Given Unique Opportunity to Vaccinate Her Own Mother

Becky Fox, MSN, RN-BC, Chief Nursing Informatics Officer and her team have been integral in staffing clinics and helping vaccinate teammates and patients. As the state of North Carolina opened up vaccinations to members of the community over the age of 75, Fox had the unique opportunity to vaccinate her own mother.

Jean Guess, among the first patients to receive her COVID-19 vaccine

11:15 a.m. 

Thank You to Our Atrium Health Vaccinators! 

10:18 a.m. 

Bringing the COVID-19 Vaccine to Atrium Health: A Team Approach

It takes a dedicated team to vaccinate everyone at Atrium Health against COVID-19. Here, three Atrium Health teammates who have been on the frontlines of planning and implementing the COVID vaccines share an insider view of all the work that’s gone into rolling out the vaccine so far at Atrium Health.

It takes a dedicated team to vaccinate everyone at Atrium Health against COVID-19. Here, three Atrium Health teammates who have been on the frontlines of planning and implementing the COVID vaccines share an insider view of all the work that’s gone into rolling out the vaccine so far at Atrium Health.

Thursday, January 7, 2021

3:48 p.m.

Dr. Katie Passaretti Shares Message for the Community

10:42 a.m. 

Atrium Health Opens Preventive Vaccine Clinical Trial for COVID-19

Atrium Health announced today it will participate in a phase 3 COVID-19 investigational vaccine clinical trial in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The clinical trial will test the safety, immunogenicity and effectiveness of NVX-CoV2373, developed by U.S. company Novavax, Inc., a late-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation vaccines for serious infectious diseases.

(Note: The announcement regarding this clinical trial is a separate effort to fight COVID-19 from the latest news about the vaccines that are currently available and being distributed to eligible groups at select Atrium Health locations). 

Atrium Health announced it will participate in a phase 3 COVID-19 investigational vaccine clinical trial in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The clinical trial will test the safety, immunogenicity and effectiveness of NVX-CoV2373, developed by U.S. company Novavax, Inc., a late-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation vaccines for serious infectious diseases.

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

9:29 a.m.

COVID-19 Vaccination Process

7:32 a.m.

Atrium Health Administers Firs Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine to Public

Early this morning, the first members of the general public began receiving the COVID-19 vaccine from Atrium Health,as North Carolina moved from Phase 1a to Phase 1b, Group 1, of its vaccine priority distribution plan. Atrium Health became the first health system in the region to begin providing mass vaccinations to a group of patients who are at least 75 years of age, following guidance from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. 

More than 160,000 patients 75 and older invited to get the vaccine as part of Phase 1b, Group 1:

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

3:39 p.m. 

Atrium Health to Begin Administering First COVID-19 Vaccine to Public

  • Atrium Health will begin public vaccinations of those 75-years old and older, as part of Phase 1b, Group 1, to begin at 7 a.m., on Wednesday, January 6.
  • Over 160,000 current patients who qualify for the vaccinations started receiving communication from Atrium Health on Monday, January 4, with details on scheduling their vaccination appointment.
  • Those 75-years old and older can easily schedule their vaccination appointment through an existing MyAtriumHealth account.
  • Those who don’t have an MyAtriumHealth account, can simply create one or schedule a vaccination appointment by phone, if assistance is needed.
  • Vaccination appointments are required due to current vaccine supply and storage requirements.
  • More information about Atrium Health’s vaccination plans for the public, including FAQs can be found at AtriumHealth.org/COVID19Vaccine

 

 

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

12:09 p.m.

Why Dr. Chris Branner Trusts the COVID-19 Vaccine, and Is Encouraging Others To Trust It Too

Dr. Chris Branner is proud to be among the first recipients of the COVID-19 vaccine! Read more to hear why he was so eager to receive the vaccine, and what he said about his experience receiving his first dose:

Dr. Chris Branner receives his COVID-19 vaccines, and encourages others to do so too

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

2:40 p.m.

Dr. Scott Rissmilller Discusses the COVID-19 Vaccine

Monday, December 28, 2020

4:08 p.m. 

What to Know About COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution at Atrium Health

Since the vaccine arrived at Atrium Health on December 14, teams have been working around the clock to ensure our frontline healthcare workers and clinical partners who are at high risk for exposure to COVID-19 are offered the doses first. Learn more about Atrium Health's COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan in this article. 

With the initial allocations of the vaccine Atrium Health has received, it has been our intent to vaccinate our healthcare workers, to protect them and help ensure a healthy workforce to care for the community during the current increase in patient volumes. Our vaccine allocations are based on delivering a certain number of weekly doses, so we have scheduled appointments to make sure no dose of this valuable, life-saving vaccine goes unused or to waste.

Monday, December 21, 2020

10:36 a.m.

Atrium Health Among First in Southeast to Receive Second COVID-19 Vaccine

Atrium Health was among the first in the Southeast region to receive the first doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization of the vaccine.

Atrium Health Has Received Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine

Thursday, December 17, 2020 

Pregnant or Trying to Get Pregnant? What You Should Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine

2:49 p.m.

If you are pregnant and get COVID-19, you have a greater chance of getting very sick. This puts you in a high-risk category. That's why it's so important for expecting mothers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine once it becomes available. Here, Dr. Lorene Temming provides answer to some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to pregnancy and the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Answers to Your Questions About the COVID-19 Vaccine

10:58 a.m.

When can you receive the vaccine? How much will it cost? We offer updated answers to the questions we hear most frequently.

[Information current as of December 17, 2020]

Who gets the vaccine now? When will you be eligible to receive it? How can Atrium Health patients make vaccine appointments? Here, we answer the questions we hear most frequently about the new COVID-19 vaccine.

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

5:01 p.m. 

Atrium Health Vaccinates Dozens of COVID-19 Vaccinators

Today, Atrium Health vaccinated dozens of vaccinators who will administer the COVID-19 vaccines to frontline employees. An estimated 60-70 healthcare providers volunteered to be vaccinators in addition to their regular roles at Atrium Health.

Today, Atrium Health vaccinated dozens of vaccinators who will administer the COVID-19 vaccines to frontline, high priority employees.

12:02 p.m. 

Eugene A. Woods, President and CEO of Atrium Health, on the Significance of COVID-19 Vaccines

"I couldn’t be more excited on this day, more Atrium Health Proud.”

On December 14, Eugene A. Woods, President and CEO of Atrium Health, witnessed our teammates receive the first COVID-19 vaccines in the state. In this video, he reflects on the significance of the day and stresses how receiving the vaccine is a safe way to protect ourselves and our community.

 

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

2:39 p.m.

A Historic Day: The First COVID-19 Vaccines 

On December 14, Atrium Health became the first health system in North Carolina to administer an FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine. On the first day, a handful of Atrium Health teammates received the vaccine. Hear from some of them, in their own words, about what this day meant to them. 

Carlotta Lennon, environmental services technician

9:09 a.m. 

Atrium Health Teammates Talk COVID-19 Vaccine

Atrium Health announced December 14, 2020 it was the first health system in North Carolina to administer an FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer. The health system has developed comprehensive plans to safely and effectively distribute the vaccine, as vaccination is the best way to prevent infection from COVID-19. Dr. Katie Passaretti, medical director of Infection Prevention at Atrium Health, was the first to receive the vaccine in the state. More frontline workers were vaccinated during this momentous event and shared their experiences.

Monday, December 14, 2020 

3:52 p.m.

Atrium Health First to Administer COVID-19 Vaccine in North Carolina 

"Today, my spirit is certainly lifted with the vaccine arriving and December 14 will be a historic day I will remember for the rest of my life," said Eugene A. Woods, president and CEO of Atrium Health. "This has been a year that has tested all of us, and after fighting in the trenches 24/7, I am so happy that the cavalry is finally starting to arrive. Teams have been working around the clock at Atrium Health to prepare for vaccine distribution, and while we still have some months of heavy lifting, our frontline heroes have started to get the protection they deserve as we continue to provide health, hope and healing to each community we are privileged to serve.”

High-priority patient-facing teammates among the first in the nation to receive Pfizer vaccine

3:06 p.m.

Dr. Gary Little Answers Questions about COVID-19 Vaccine

12:03 p.m. 

Dr. Katie Passaretti First in the State to be Vaccinated

11:14 a.m.

COVID-19 Vaccine Arrives at Atrium Health

Thursday, December 3, 2020

3:29 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vaccines

As the world awaits a promising COVID-19 vaccine, it’s more important now than ever before to learn the importance of vaccination. View commonly asked questions and more information on the much anticipated COVID-19 vaccine. (Latest update: Monday, December 14)

As the world awaits a promising COVID-19 vaccine, it’s more important now than ever before to learn the importance of vaccination. View commonly asked questions and more information on the much anticipated COVID-19 vaccine.