General Overview: When looking at the number of COVID vaccines administered for Cabarrus County, the data would show a steady number of vaccines administered between 71 to 78 from years 2019 to 2023. This explains that the current actual value of COVID vaccines administered is lower than the expected target value which did not meet the expected goal. However, the sharp increase of the number of  the COVID vaccines administered in years 2023- 2025 depends on different factors that contributes to such change. 

Contributing Factors:

• Policy and Guidelines: Official recommendations by organizations like the CDC establishes the eligibility criteria, such as annual updates, priority groups, number of doses required for different age groups, and specific timelines for immunocompromised individuals. 
• Resource availability: COVID vaccines were limited due to factors related to priority groups, vaccine being under trials and geographical restrictions. 

Positive Factors:

• High Effectiveness Against Severe Illness: Data showed the updated shots significantly reduced the risk of critical illness, hospitalization, and emergency department visits in adults, alongside providing protection against Long COVID. 

Restricting Factors:

• Individual Factors: language barriers, lack of knowledge, and stereotypes related to the COVID vaccine. 
• Socioeconomic Factors: Limited access to healthcare services, lack of health insurance, and lack of transportation can prevent seeking COVID vaccines  

Hint: List the partners and briefly describe the role that each will play to help turn the curve.

• Cabarrus Health Alliance: Cabarrus Health Alliance (CHA) facilitates the local administration of COVID-19 vaccines through its Immunization Clinics. They offer both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to individuals ages 6 months and older. 

• Atrium Health: Atrium Health played a pioneering role in the COVID-19 vaccine administration, serving as the first health system in North Carolina to administer an FDA-approved vaccine.
• Retail Pharmacies: Many local pharmacies and CVS locations administer COVID-19 vaccines, with coverage by most insurance plans.