RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and other state health officials announced Friday that COVID-19 vaccines would be more accessible as the virus continues to spread and federal recommendations have yet to be made.

Earlier Friday, Stein gave State Health Director and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Officer Dr. Larry Greenblatt a directive to issue standing orders to increase access to the vaccine for North Carolinians who want to get it.

Greenblatt has since issued standing orders that allow those aged 65 or older as well as adults over the age of 18 who meet certain criteria to get a COVID-19 vaccine, if they choose, at a pharmacy without a prescription.

"Healthcare providers and pharmacists recommend vaccination as a safe and

See Full Page