Iredell Health Officials Urge Vaccinations As County Rate Lags

IREDELL COUNTY, NC — Iredell County health officials are renewing a call for residents to get a coronavirus vaccine as the county's percent of residents who have received a vaccine lags behind that at the state level.

Anyone who is 16 years old and older and wants one is now eligible to receive one in North Carolina.

"If you get sick, you could spread the disease to friends, family, and others around you. That’s why it’s important to get vaccinated as soon as you can to make sure your immune system is ready to fight the virus if you are exposed," Iredell County Health Director Jane Hinson said in a statement.

As of April 19, about 24 percent of Iredell County residents had received at least one dose of vaccine and nearly 19 percent were fully vaccinated, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. The rate is much lower than the statewide average of nearly 47 percent of North Carolina residents having received at least one dose and about 35 percent fully vaccinated.

While coronavirus vaccines will help move towards the end of the pandemic, residents need to also maintain vigilance in wearing a mask, socially distancing six feet, washing hands often and avoiding crowded indoor spaces, the Iredell County Health Department said.

"Vaccination adds an important layer of protection for you, your family, and your loved ones," ICHD said. "Wearing masks and social distancing help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others, but these measures are not enough and no one tool along is going to stop the pandemic."

As of Monday, April 19, at least 18,036 positive COVID-19 cases had been reported in Iredell County and at least 213 deaths attributed to the virus.

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