GREENSBORO, N.C. — Cone Health is releasing new data that shows how many people are coming to hospitals with COVID-19 and whether they've been vaccinated. 

The overwhelming majority of COVID-19 patients are unvaccinated, according to the hospital system. 

Cone Health had 117 COVID-19 patients as of Tuesday. Of those patients, 97 are unvaccinated. 

Cone Health is caring for 32 COVID-19 patients in the ICU. Twenty-nine of them are unvaccinated (90%). 

Cone Health has 18 COVID-19 patients on ventilators. All of them are unvaccinated. 

Doctors and health officials continue to encourage vaccinations, emphasizing that those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are less likely to have severe symptoms if they contract the virus. 

North Carolina COVID-19 trends as of Tuesday appeared to show more promising news. Cases and hospitalizations are still high across the state but have begun to level out over the last few days. 

The state reported 4,623 new cases on Tuesday - that's the second day in a row the case count has gone down and 561 fewer cases than the previous day. 

Hospitalizations are starting to level off but remain high. There were 3,342 COVID-19 patients in hospitals statewide as of Tuesday - 11 less than the previous day. 

Health officials have said several times over, the best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. 

To find a vaccine provider near you, click here. 

GREENSBORO, N.C. — North Carolina health officials announced COVID-19 booster shots are available for certain groups of people.

State health officials said those who are at high-risk for serious illness or exposure and who have been fully vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech (Cominarty) vaccine for six months or more can now receive a COVID-19 booster shot.

People who are 65 years or older, 18 years or older with underlying medical conditions or work in a high-risk setting like healthcare workers, teachers and childcare providers or food workers are eligible in the state to receives the booster vaccine.

"Pfizer boosters are now authorized for certain groups of individuals to extend the protection of vaccines against severe illness," said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D.

State health officials said those who are eligible can find booster shoots at their health care provider, pharmacies, and other locations where the COVID-19 vaccines are available.

Visit MySpot.nc.gov and check “Pfizer-BioNTech (age 12+)” to search locations and ensure Pfizer is available.

To get this information sent to your cell phone text keyword VACCINE to 336-379-5775. 

NOVANT HEALTH 

Where: The following locations will accept eligible individuals by appointment only:

• Novant Health Medical Group – Hanes (196 Hanes Mall Circle, Winston-Salem, NC 27103) is open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Novant Health Medical Group – East Mecklenburg (6070 East Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28212) is open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Novant Health Medical Group – Huntersville (17220 Northcross Drive, Suite 110, Huntersville, NC 28078) is open Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Novant Health Medical Group – Salisbury (J.F. Hurley YMCA 828 Jake Alexander Blvd. W Salisbury, NC 28147) is open Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Select Novant Health primary care clinics
• Retail pharmacies and others also will offer booster doses
• If an individual is seeking a more convenient time or location they can visit the NCDHHS location finder, here.

How to schedule: While walk-ins are accepted for first and second doses at most permanent vaccination sites, we require individuals seeking a third dose of vaccine to make an appointment at all locations. Note, you do not have to be a Novant Health patient to schedule an appointment. Ways to schedule include:

• MyChart: MyChart is the best way to schedule an appointment. Anyone can create a MyChart account by visiting MyNovant.Org. Appointment availability can be accessed under Visits --> Schedule an appointment --> COVID-19 Vaccine.
• GetVaccinated.org: Anyone can schedule an appointment online.
• Primary care clinics: established patients are able to call their primary care clinic to schedule an appointment at that clinic, if it is offering the vaccine, or at the nearest Novant Health vaccination site.
• Those who do not have access to the internet or a primary care provider can call 855-NH-VAC-4U (855-648-2248) for scheduling assistance.

Top questions:

What to bring to your appointment. Do you need to bring your proof of vaccination card?

Yes, please bring your vaccine card. Physical cards and photos of cards will be accepted. If you have lost your vaccination card, and you did not receive your previous doses with Novant Health, you should contact the site where you obtained your vaccine series to confirm the product you received and dates. If you have lost your vaccination card, and you did receive your previous doses with Novant Health, we will be able to access your records and issue a replacement card.

How will we verify an individual’s eligibility? Is identification required?

Individuals self-identify and attest to their eligibility status. Individuals will not be asked for any identification or proof of residency. Insurance is not required, however, patients are asked for insurance information if they have it for filing of the administration of the vaccine purposes only.

Can you get the booster dose at the same time as your flu shot?

Yes. You can receive COVID-19 vaccines the same day as other vaccines. You can also receive COVID-19 vaccines if you have received another vaccine within two weeks. 

What if I received Johnson & Johnson or Moderna?  

If you did not receive the Pfizer vaccine or complete that series, we ask that you do not schedule an appointment at this time. There is not enough data currently to support getting a Pfizer booster if someone has previously received a Johnson & Johnson or Moderna vaccine. These individuals will likely need a booster dose as well, and more data is expected in the coming weeks.  

Should I receive Pfizer-BioNTech or Comirnaty?  

The FDA-authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is the same formulation as the FDA-approved Comirnaty, and the vaccines may be used interchangeably. 

Is the booster the same product as the first two doses?  

Yes. It’s the same product that people were given before.  

Is the booster dosefree?                

Yes. All COVID-19 vaccines are free for every individual, including those who do not have insurance.

For more FAQs, please visit: GetVaccinated.org.