BPR is answering listener queries about the Coronavirus in a new segment –Talk To Us: COVID Questions. BPR’s Helen Chickering brings us this week’s answer.
This week's question comes from Marissa Kent-White. She's a behavioral health care worker here in Western North Carolina.
“The question about the COVID vaccine is how do we, once we are on the waiting list prove that we are indeed a behavioral health care worker? So I'm not sure if I need to bring an NPI number. I'm not sure if I need to bring my, my license number or a copy of my licensure for my particular profession. So that is something I would love some clarification on - thanks!”
So this is a common question and has a couple of answers. Basically it's the honor system, North Carolina does not require an ID or proof of profession, but the state COVID website says employers or health care providers could. So it depends on where you're getting the vaccine. We checked in with Melissa McKnight, MPH, the Deputy Health Director at the Jackson County Department of Public Health.
"Thank you for reaching out to answer the listener's question. The Jackson County Department of Public Health will not require proof of licensure to provide the COVID-19 vaccine," says McKnight. "We have asked patients to answer a few questions to determine their eligibility, and then we'll vaccinate them based on their responses. Thank you very much."
BPR reached out to a number of county health departments in the region and got the same answer, but it's probably a good idea to check with your local vaccine provider. You can often find the information on the county COVID vaccine information page.
Do you have a COVID question? You'd like answered record a voice memo and send it to voices@bpr.org or use the talk to us feature on the free BPR mobile app.
I'm Helen Chickering BPR news.
