Charlotte Motor Speedway Event Expected To Vaccinate 16,000

CHARLOTTE, NC — A three-day community mass vaccination event targeting those 65 years old and older at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend is set to vaccinate more than 16,000, according to organizers.

The event is part of a new public-private partnership aiming to vaccinate 1 million residents in the Charlotte metro by July 4 through mass vaccination events at sporting venues, including Bank of America Stadium.

Vaccinations will be administered at the speedway Friday, Jan. 22 through Sunday Jan. 24, from 7 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. As of Thursday morning, however, all appointments were spoken for, according to Atrium Health. "This event is by appointment only, and we will not be able to accommodate walk-ins during those days," it said.

A similar mass vaccination event will be held at Bank of America Stadium in the near future, Atrium Health said in a statement Friday.

SEE ALSO: Mecklenburg County Overwhelmed By Calls For Vaccine Appointments

"Getting vaccines in people's arms as quickly and equitably as possible is a top priority for North Carolina," North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said in a statement. "Partnerships with businesses, health providers and government like this can help get it done."

“Our goal, simply stated, is to get as many shots in arms as quickly as we can, to save the lives of North Carolinians," Eugene Woods, president and CEO of Atrium Health, said in a statement.

SEE ALSO: Here's How Many In NC Have Been Vaccinated For COVID-19

More than a month after North Carolina launched COVID vaccinations, less than 6 percent of state residents have been vaccinated, according to state public health officials.

As of Wednesday, Jan. 20, at least 573,130 doses of vaccine had been administered throughout the state, according to North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services data. Of that tally, about 424,000 were first doses of the vaccine and about 76,000 were second doses completing the series. Nearly 73,000 doses of vaccine had been administered in long-term care facilities.

About 220,000 state residents 65-years-old or older have received their first doses, while fewer than 5,000 in the age bracket have received their full course of vaccine, according to DHHS data.

More information about Atrium Health's vaccination plans for the public, including FAQs, may be found here.

Information about Mecklenburg County Public Health vaccination events may be found here.