North Carolina leaders are urging seniors to get the new coronavirus vaccine as soon as it is available in their communities.

Tuesday, North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen unveiled the new “You Have A Spot: Take Your Shot” campaign with a video urging those age 75 and up to register for the COVID-19 vaccine. Cohen reminds the vaccine is safe, effective, and you won’t get COVID from the new vaccine.

Gov. Roy Cooper says the vaccine will save lives.  Cooper says the coronavirus is spreading fast in North Carolina, so he reminds everyone to follow the modified stay-at-home order, avoid gathering with people who do not live in your home, and keep wearing face coverings.

As of Tuesday, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services says there have 635,975 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 recorded in North Carolina.  7,638 of those cases have resulted in death.