Wake County Opens 2025 to 2026 COVID Vaccine Appointments Based on Risk

Wake County Public Health began offering the updated 2025 to 2026 COVID 19 vaccine at county clinics this week, and the department says appointments are now required at its sites. Rather than a first come first served signup, county communications say distribution will be based on risk and need, and callers will be asked screening questions to help prioritize appointment scheduling.

The county listed five clinic locations across Wake County where the vaccine is being offered, including the county Public Health Center and regional centers in Wake Forest, Fuquay Varina and Zebulon. Many sites are providing evening and Saturday hours to improve access for working families and people who cannot attend during weekday business hours.

Public health officials are urging people at higher risk, including older adults, people who are immunocompromised and pregnant people, to make appointments ahead of upcoming holiday gatherings. The risk based scheduling is intended to focus limited appointments on residents who face greater risk of severe illness, and ensure those individuals can be vaccinated in time for travel and family events.

WRAL coverage describes how the appointment system works and links to the county scheduling information for residents who need to make appointments or learn more about clinic hours and locations. Wake County residents who are unsure whether they qualify as higher risk should consult the county website or contact the Public Health Center for guidance on the screening questions used during appointment calls.

The updated vaccine reflects ongoing adjustments to address changes in the virus and to maintain protection for vulnerable populations. Requiring appointments allows clinics to manage patient flow, reduce crowding and better match supply with community need. However, risk based distribution also raises practical access concerns, because screening by phone can advantage people with stable phone service or flexible schedules. The county’s extension of evening and Saturday hours is one step toward reducing barriers, but residents without phone or internet access may still face challenges securing appointments.

For Wake County, the new rollout is both a public health intervention and a community planning task. Timely vaccination among high risk groups can reduce hospitalizations and help protect family networks during peak travel and gathering periods. Residents should check Wake County Public Health resources or WRAL links for the most current scheduling information, clinic hours and instructions on how to make an appointment.