Cape Fear Valley announced Sunday it is now opening appointments to all Group 3 frontline essential workers, earlier than expected.

“Due to a high initial turnout of local PreK-12 and childcare school workers, combined with decreasing demand from other eligible groups, Cape Fear Valley Health is moving forward with the next phase of the vaccination plan, ahead of schedule,” the hospital system said in a press release.

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), frontline essential workers are “people who must be in-person at their place of work and work in one of the eight essential sectors including: education, critical manufacturing, essential goods, food and agriculture, government and community Services, health care and public health, public safety and transportation.” 

“Any frontline essential workers ages 18 and older are now eligible as part of Group 3 to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine from one of Cape Fear Valley Health’s vaccination clinics, in addition to individuals in Groups 1 and 2 – healthcare and long-term care workers and anyone aged 65 and older,” the hospital system stated.

Chris Tart, PharmD and Vice President of Professional Services at Cape Fear Valley Health, said that Group 3 is a very broad category that includes most people who are working in-person with others or the public.

“If you’re not sure whether your job fits in this category, we encourage you to go online to www.capefearvalley.com/covid19 to schedule your vaccination and find what group you fit in,” he said in a statement.

If you’re going to get the first shot, an appointment is required. If you’ve already had the first shot and are going to get the second dose, an appointment is not required by Cape Fear Valley.

“Patients should return to the site of their first vaccination shot at the appropriate time to receive their second shot,” according to the provider.

Some Cape Fear Valley vaccine clinics have increased their appointment availability to meet the expected increase in demand. Appointment times open on Fridays each week by 5 p.m. for the following week. You can schedule an appointment at www.capefearvalley.com/covid19.

Hoke residents in Group 1, Group 2 or Group 3 can get the vaccine locally at Cape Fear Valley Hoke Hospital.

Hoke Hospital in Raeford, March 2-5: This clinic offers the Moderna Vaccine.

First doses: Tuesday through Thursday, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. in 1-hour appointment blocks.

Second doses: May walk in (no appointment required Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (No clinic on Monday or Friday; if you are due for a second dose, please come on Tuesday through Thursday)

To view appointment information at other Cape Fear Valley locations, visit www.capefearvalley.com/covid19.