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Coronavirus updates for June 30: Here’s what to know in North Carolina this week

We’re tracking information about the coronavirus and vaccines in North Carolina. Check back every Thursday for updates.

More than 22,000 cases added

At least 22,917 new coronavirus cases were reported in North Carolina last week, up from 22,621 the week before, according to preliminary data from state health officials.

The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services also reported 831 new weekly COVID-19 hospital patient admissions, down from 841 the week before, according to data through June 25, the most recent metrics available. The daily average of adult coronavirus patients in intensive care was 103, an increase from 93 the week before.

The figures were released Wednesday, June 29, the 15th week that health officials have adjusted information shared on their coronavirus dashboard and published weekly COVID-19 data. The data had previously been released almost every day.

Roughly 77% of adults in North Carolina have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, and about 72% are fully vaccinated. Of the state’s total population, about 62% are fully vaccinated and about 66% have received at least one dose. State officials round vaccination numbers to the nearest whole number.

More than 3.7 million ”additional/booster” doses have been administered in North Carolina as of June 29, the health department said. Health officials have urged those who are eligible to get boosted, as data shows it offers increased protection against the omicron coronavirus variant.

Across the state, virtually all new COVID-19 cases were attributed to the omicron variant and its related “lineages” in the two weeks leading up to June 18, the latest time period for which data is available.

Vaccines available for kids under 5 across Triangle

Several sites across the Triangle are offering COVID-19 vaccines for younger children, who recently became eligible to receive them.

Appointments have opened after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized Moderna and Pfizer shots for kids ages 6 months to 5 years old.

While the vaccines are available at some pharmacy chains, Dr. Priyanka Rao said children up to 3 years old must go to a doctor or a health center for their shots. Wake, Durham and Orange are among the Triangle-area counties offering them to younger kids, The News & Observer reported on June 28.

Elsewhere in North Carolina, multiple Charlotte sites also are serving children under 5. Parents can find participating clinics at myspot.nc.gov or 888-675-4567.

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