CHARLOTTE, N.C. — If you’ve got a scheduled COVID-19 vaccine appointment, you may want to make sure it’s still a "go."
With COVID-19 cases seeing an uptick, many Americans are rolling up their sleeves and getting ready for the latest booster. Some Charlotteans claim that their vaccine appointments are getting canceled with little or no advanced warning.
It turns out that some pharmacies in Charlotte are running into a supply hiccup.
Data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services indicate that around 4 million Americans have received at least one booster vaccine shot.
As many look to get the latest version of the COVID-19 vaccine, distributors are running into an issue.
WCNC Charlotte spoke to Dr. Charles Bregier, the Medical Director for Novant Health Employers Solutions, about the vaccine supply issue.
“There was some packaging and other kinds of delays initially that slowed it down," Dr. Bregier explained. "And it's just taking a little bit longer to get to all the destinations that really want to give it."
Some patients are getting a message saying that the updated COVID-19 is not yet available. If you’re one of those getting the message, Dr. Bregier suggests looking at other avenues.
“I think people just need to be diligent in searching for it. I know that retail pharmacies are having it, I'm seeing it more and more. A lot of doctors' offices have it, many of our Novant practices have it, said Dr. Bregier.
Health experts are confident the hiccup is just a short-term issue. “While we recommend people get it sooner rather than later if you're having a little bit of a difficult time, it wouldn't hurt to wait another week or so until quantities are even more broadly distributed," Dr. Bregier said. "And you'll have an easier time getting it."
For those who may be considered "high risk" for the virus, Dr. Bregier suggested visiting vaccines.gov to schedule an appointment.
Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
